Fire on Amtrak Work Train Near Penn Station Injures Five

On Friday morning, a fire involving an Amtrak work train occurred near New York’s Penn Station, resulting in injuries to five individuals.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) reported that they received an alarm about the fire at approximately 1:32 a.m. on Platform 11 at Penn Station, located at 31st Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.

By 2:43 a.m., the fire had escalated to a second alarm, prompting a response from 46 units and a total of 141 fire and emergency personnel, according to FDNY officials.

Among the injured, two individuals were taken to Bellevue Hospital with serious conditions, while three others opted out of medical treatment, as stated by the fire department.

The FDNY managed to extinguish the fire by 4:05 a.m., but the investigation into its cause is still underway.

Reports indicated that due to damage to overhead wiring along Platform 11, both New Jersey Transit and the Long Island Railroad suspended their services to Manhattan Station.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced that the fire in an Amtrak railcar disrupted rail services. They noted, “New Jersey Transit’s rail service has been heavily impacted by this incident, particularly in the Hudson River tunnels. Disruptions are likely to continue through the morning commute.”

The New Jersey transit website also mentioned that service between Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station is currently halted. An Amtrak track car fire damaged overhead wires and track infrastructure, prompting cross-honoring on PATH and other local transportation options.

Amtrak is reportedly making efforts to expedite repairs and restore service as soon as possible.