A subway convoy derailed Thursday after colliding with another slow-speed train, causing minor injuries to more than 20 people and causing major service disruptions throughout Manhattan during the afternoon rush hour, authorities said.
A Line 1 train carrying about 300 passengers and an out-of-service train with four workers on board collided with each other around 3 p.m. near the 96th Street station on the Upper West Side. as reported at the scene by police and traffic officials.
The impact caused the passenger train to partially derail. A derailment occurs when at least one wheel of a train comes off the track.
The out-of-service train had become stuck because someone pulled several emergency levers, said Richard Davey, president of New York City transit for the MTA.
“Fortunately there were no serious injuries,” Davey said at a press conference. “Obviously, two trains should not collide with each other. Let’s get to the bottom of the matter.”
There will be delays in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 train service in Manhattan, Brooklyn. More information: https://t.co/hL7P2JehIL.
— NotifyNYCEspañol (@NNYCSpanish) January 4, 2024
New York City’s aging subway network has suffered power outages, signal problems and other breakdowns in recent years.
The MTA made an announcement on social media about the suspension of service on several subway lines.
“There is a major disruption to 1/2/3 service as emergency crews assist passengers and conduct an investigation after a train derailed near 96 St.
“There is no 1/2/3 service in most of Manhattan.
“Go to mta.info to see more details and alternatives,” the message reads.
There is a major disruption to 1/2/3 service while emergency teams assist passengers and conduct an investigation after a train derailed near 96 St.
There is no 1/2/3 service in most of Manhattan.
Go to to see further details and alternatives. pic.twitter.com/pM1FwM2AXW
— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) January 4, 2024
Firefighters helped remove passengers from the running train, as well as a few hundred more people from another train that was not involved but had to stop in the tunnel because of the collision.
Later, Mayor Adams also posted a message on social media about the incident.
“Our team is responding to the train derailment on the 1/2/3 line at 96th Street. Emergency personnel from @FDNY and @NYPDNews are on the ground assisting in efforts. “Avoid the area of 96th and Broadway if you can,” the mayor wrote.
Our team is responding to the train derailment on the 1/2/3 line at 96th street. @FDNY and @NYPDNews emergency personnel are on the ground assisting efforts. Please avoid the 96th and Broadway area if you can. pic.twitter.com/CWZ3gsWM9v
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 4, 2024
The firefighters also posted a message on social networks informing them of the work they had done since they were called to respond to the emergency.
“At 3:01 today, FDNY units responded to a train derailment at the 96th St. 1/2/3 station. The units arrived in minutes, began a structural evaluation and evacuation of passengers from the derailed train,” the message reads.
At 3:01 today, FDNY units responded to a train derailment at the 96th St. 1/2/3 station. Units arrived in minutes, began a structural assessment and evacuation of passengers from the derailed train. pic.twitter.com/nEASIl2pQE
— FDNY (@FDNY) January 5, 2024
Emergency personnel were working Thursday night to clear the tracks and hoping to resume service by Friday morning, but that was not guaranteed, officials said.
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