A fire on an Amtrak maintenance train near New York’s Penn Station injured five people and disrupted service for many commuters Friday morning, authorities said.
The fire resulted in train delays on New Jersey Transit and Amtrak trains into New York, and briefly suspended Long Island Rail Road service, more than a week after a strike had shut down that system.
Amtrak said the fire happened around 1:25 a.m. just outside of the Hudson River train tunnels that run from Penn Station in Manhattan to New Jersey. The fire prompted the temporary suspension of all rail service between New York and New Jersey because of smoke and fire conditions.
Amtrak service from New York to New Jersey and trains heading south had resumed by early Friday afternoon, but service on trains heading north and east of New York was still dealing with delays. New Jersey Transit service into and out of Penn Station had also resumed, but with delays of up to an hour due to overhead wire and infrastructure damage.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief Janno Lieber said the fire was caused by the collision of two work trains, which impacted the electrical system and ignited the blaze. About 100 firefighters responded, containing the fire by 4 a.m. Two people were hospitalized with serious injuries, while three others declined medical attention.
New York’s Penn Station Set for $8 Billion Transformation
New York’s busiest transit hub is slated for a dramatic $8 billion redesign aimed at restoring the grandeur of the original Pennsylvania Station that was demolished in 1963.
Renderings show a rectangular stone facade lined with imposing columns, a grand entrance, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, bronze finishes, a large station clock and decorative features inspired by the city’s architectural heritage. Inside one entrance, a wall bears the seal and name of President Donald Trump, who transferred control of the project to Amtrak after years of disputes among transit agencies.
The proposal seeks to make Penn Station an iconic landmark once again, drawing inspiration from Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2027 and continue in phases for roughly six years while the station remains operational.
Madison Square Garden will remain above the station, though a theater built over the tracks would be removed. Transit advocates have called for greater transparency and public input as details continue to be developed.
