MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — A fire on the tracks in one of the East River tunnels at Penn Station on Thursday is still causing disruptions for commuters Friday.
Officials with the Long Island Rail Road say they don’t expect service to be fully restored by the evening commute.
Trains are still being diverted from Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal, which created a messy commute on Friday morning.
As of 11 a.m., LIRR was running half hourly service between Penn Station and Jamaica in both directions. Everything else was traveling into Grand Central Madison.
Crews responded to the fire just before 11:30 a.m. Thursday on 31st Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues.
This happened in a section of the tunnel owned by Amtrak linking Penn Station to Jamaica that is currently undergoing repairs following Superstorm Sandy.
At least one train was filled with smoke, and power to multiple tracks had to be shut down. Thankfully, no one was injured, as the FDNY says they are still trying to determine the cause.
A frustrated MTA spokesperson released a statement saying, “Amtrak equipment. Amtrak tunnel. Amtrak tracks. LIRR riders once again are inconvenienced by this Amtrak situation.”
The MTA directed LIRR riders to head to Atlantic Terminal or Grand Central Madison to get home.
As for Friday, the MTA says to make sure to check your train status for delays, reroutes, and cancellations.
Follow the latest service updates below:
LIRR service
The subway is cross-honoring LIRR tickets:
34 St-Penn Station, Forest Hills-71 Av, Kew Gardens-Union Tpke, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer on the E lineGrand Central-42 St 4, 5, 6, 7 linesWoodside-61 St on the 7 lineNJ Transit service
Following earlier fire department activity east of Penn Station New York, NJ Transit rail service is operating on or close to schedule, with residual delays to trains already enroute, into and out of Penn Station New York.
NJ Transit Midtown Direct service continues to be diverted into Hoboken Terminal. NJ Transit rail tickets and passes are being cross honored by NJ Transit and private carrier bus and PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd Street, New York.
Amtrak service
Amtrak delays could be expected.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts on the go
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.