Mechanical Issue Suspected in No.4 Train Car Detachment Incident in Bronx NYC

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is investigating a significant mechanical issue suspected to have caused the detachment of multiple subway cars from a No. 4 train in the Bronx. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday near the 149th Street-Grand Concourse station, leading to a disruption in service.

Details of the Incident

According to the MTA, three cars detached from a 10-car subway train. New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow stated that the train’s braking system activated automatically, stopping both sections safely. Despite the incident being described as unusual, the safety systems functioned as intended.

Passenger Experiences

The train was carrying a total of 238 passengers at the time of the incident. Eyewitness reports from passengers revealed a chaotic situation. Jesus Aponte, who was on the train, described hearing a loud crash followed by sparks and lights. He recounted feeling a significant thud that left everyone in darkness.

• Aponte: “Once you seen the sparks, you felt this big thud.”
• Another passenger reported feeling trapped and anxious.
• Bridgette Berkley expressed her concern for her 14-year-old son, who was also on board.

Emergency Response

Emergency responders, including firefighters and police officers, arrived at the scene approximately 30 minutes later. Crews had to wait for the MTA to deactivate power to the train before they could assist the stranded passengers.

MTA’s Inspection Protocol

Crichlow mentioned that the cause of the detachment is under investigation. The MTA has initiated inspections on more than 1,000 R-142 subway cars to ensure safety and prevent future occurrences. He reassured that the trainset had passed prior inspections, including a recent one in August.

Status of Subway Service

Following the incident, a rescue train was deployed to help passengers transfer safely to the platform. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and train service has since resumed at the affected subway station.

The MTA emphasizes its commitment to maintaining rigorous inspection protocols to ensure the safety of the subway system. Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.