Crowded LIRR Train Derails In Queens, Hundreds Stranded For Hours, Service Disrupted In Both Directions
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A Long Island Railroad train on its way to Suffolk County has derailed with hundreds of passengers on board.
According to the MTA, the train left Penn Station just before 9 p.m. Friday night and was headed for Babylon when two cars came off the tracks.
The derailment reportedly happened just a few hundred yards east of Jamaica Station in Queens.
The MTA reports that 383 people were on the derailed train at the time of the accident. No injuries have been reported, but commuters were then stuck on board for hours.
The commuters were still waiting board the damaged train late Friday night however, some took to social media to say first responders are on the scene and providing support.
MTA officials add that those passengers were finally on their way to Long Island around midnight on Friday. Rail officials are planning to speak more about the accident on Saturday.
"No injuries were reported and a relief train has arrived to take the approximately 600 customers to their final destinations along the Babylon branch. Crews are on the scene are handing out water and assisting customers. There are delays and cancellations as a result. The cause of the incident is under investigation," LIRR said in a statement Friday night.
LIRR is also reporting delays in both directions around the area of the derailment and is urging commuters to find another way around the accident.
Stay with CBS New York for the latest on this developing story
