New York, NY (May 29, 2026) – Five people were hurt early Friday, May 29, after a train car caught fire near Penn Station in New York City.
Authorities said the fire happened in a rail yard train car near the station. New Jersey Transit reported that the fire involved an Amtrak train car in one of the Hudson River tunnels and caused overhead wire damage.
About 100 firefighters responded to the scene. Fire officials said five people were injured, and two of them were taken to a hospital. Their conditions were not immediately released.
The fire caused major disruptions for commuters. New Jersey Transit and Amtrak trains into New York were delayed, and Long Island Rail Road service was briefly suspended. Amtrak said service was suspended until at least noon while crews handled maintenance after the fire was extinguished.
The cause of the fire remains under review as officials continue gathering details. We hope everyone injured receives the care and support needed during recovery.
Why Train Car Fires Can Disrupt Rail Service
Train car fires can create serious safety concerns because smoke, heat, and electrical damage may affect nearby tracks, tunnels, and rail equipment. When overhead wires are damaged, service may need to stop until crews confirm that the area is safe.
Rail fires near major stations can also affect thousands of passengers because multiple transit systems may share tracks or nearby infrastructure. Firefighters may need to check for smoke conditions, electrical hazards, and hidden hot spots before the scene is cleared. Investigators may review the train car, electrical systems, maintenance records, and tunnel conditions to determine how the fire started.
