Full Breakdown
East River Tunnel Fire Disrupts Penn Station Rail Service
5/16/2026, 10:08:03 PM
Fire in the East River Tunnel Halts Penn Station Service
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, an electrical fire erupted in an East River tunnel linking Penn Station and Queens. The blaze damaged power cables, disabled signals, and forced the shutdown of eastbound service through the tunnel.
Tunnel Repair Background
The tunnel, owned by Amtrak, has been under repair since Superstorm Sandy, with a rebuild of tube 2 limiting available tracks and reducing capacity.
Chronology of the Fire and Service Changes
- 11:22 a.m. (some reports 11:35 a.m.) – fire reported; FDNY sent 84 firefighters, smoke entered Penn Station; fire out by ? 1:00 p.m.
- Evening May 14 – LIRR halted; NJ Transit diverted Midtown Direct trains to Hoboken.
- Morning May 15 – LIRR trains rerouted to Grand Central Madison or Atlantic Terminal.
- 5 a.m. May 16 – Amtrak announced expected LIRR service restoration.
Key Numbers
84 FDNY personnel responded; two of four LIRR tracks (Nos. 18-21) were disabled. Amtrak delays reached up to 40 minutes, LIRR delays 20-30 minutes.
Commuter Impact
Penn Station loss forced LIRR riders to Grand Central Madison or Atlantic Terminal. NJ Transit Midtown Direct trains were diverted to Hoboken, with tickets cross-honored on PATH and buses. Tunnel capacity reduction lengthened commutes and raised concerns about an LIRR strike on May 16.
Official Statements & Responses
MTA said crews are working through the night, with no estimate for restoration. Amtrak called it an electrical fire that damaged the tunnel and said repairs are underway. LIRR President Rob Free noted loss
