CBS2 Exclusive Video: Smoke Condition Leaves Hundreds Stranded On No. 7 Train In East River Tunnel
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A mechanical problem created a smoke condition in a New York City subway tunnel east of Grand Central Terminal, stalling trains and leaving hundreds stranded.
CBS2 has obtained exclusive cellphone video taken by 26-year-old Desmond Gomes, of Woodside, who was trapped with about 540 other riders on a smokey No. 7 train under the East River.
"Out of nowhere there's smoke coming from the car in front of us," Gomes told CBS2's Dave Carlin. "Everybody in the entire train got silent."
No. 7 Line Service Resumes After Smoke Condition Snarls Morning Service
The problem happened around 8:30 a.m. as the train headed from Grand Central toward Queens, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
MTA Spokeswoman Amanda Kwan said the trouble stemmed from the electrified third rail's shoe, which normally makes contact with the rail to power trains. She said the shoe got out of position and touched a protective board, and that caused the smoke.
The train was stopped in the tunnel until the passengers could board another train that was brought from Grand Central.
The riders found they had no signals on their cell phones and other devices, leaving them out of touch while they waited for the rescue train.
When it finally came, there was a rush to get to the front, out the doors and onto the track.
"As soon as they opened the door, the entire car filled up with smoke," Gomes said. "It was a definite adventure for me, first ever."
Gomes, who arrived at work three hours late, said MTA representatives did a good job of keeping passengers updated and calm.
"It's good to know that I'm safe. That's the first thing," he said.
One person reported feeling faint and sought medical attention, the MTA said.
No one needed hospitalization, the Fire Department said.
Service was suspended in both directions between Hunters Point and Times Square, but has since resumed with residual delays.
Many other 7 train riders were left waiting at stations until the problem was resolved.
"It's completely unorganized," said Robert Morales who was among the many straphangers stuck at Grand Central until the smoke cleared. "They really need to get their things together, it's just crazy."
"The 7 train is doing what it usually does," said Steve Scheno. "(And what's that?) Which is not run."
The No. 7 line is one of the city's busiest. It shut down in February after too much ice formed on the third rail.
Some residents rallied to demand better service on the line, Carlin reported. Sen. Michael Gianaris called it a nightmare of delays and malfunctions. He wants the MTA to improve performance.
"There doesn't seem to be a recognition that it needs to more attention, not less," Sen. Gianaris said. "And with each breakdown and with each additional problem, we're seeing it can't handle what we have now, never mind what we expect to come."
Gianaris said No. 7 riders, cutting through the heart of Queens, deserve better, Carlin reported.
For more information visit the MTA's website.
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