Bronx fire disrupts Amtrak service
An Amtrak transformer explosion ignited a fire on the train tracks in the Bronx on Tuesday, causing significant service disruptions between Penn Station and New Haven and causing delays and frustrations for commuters. FOX 5’s Michelle Ross has the story.
NEW YORK CITY – A transformer explosion on Tuesday afternoon led to a fire along Amtrak tracks in the Bronx, causing major disruptions for commuters Tuesday evening.
The fire, which began near Amtrak’s tracks in the Parkchester area, sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky and spread to a nearby Con Edison facility, igniting three parked cars.
Amtrak service between Penn Station and New Haven was temporarily suspended in both directions, causing frustration for travelers.
In addition to the Amtrak fire, another blaze broke out just minutes earlier at an auto parts warehouse about a quarter mile away in Bronxdale.
That fire, which affected a 60,000-square-foot facility storing cars and parts, escalated to a third alarm. While authorities are still investigating, they have not confirmed any connection between the two incidents.
Firefighters also observed a nearby brush fire, which they are currently investigating as a possible contributing factor.
There is no estimate for when normal operations will resume. Metro-North will honor tickets between Grand Central and New Haven.
Extremely dry conditions have sparked dozens of fires throughout the Tri-State.
Tuesday’s strong winds are exacerbating conditions. Most of the East Coast has seen little rainfall since September, and experts say the fires will persist until significant precipitation or frosts occur.
On the New Jersey and New York border, crews worked to contain the 4.7-square-mile fire dubbed the Jennings Creek Wildfire. The blaze killed a parks employee over the weekend and postponed Veterans Day plans.
