Today, at 10:24 a.m. a Manhattan-bound F train carrying approximately 1,000 passengers derailed near the 65th Street station in Woodside, Queens. The middle six cars of an eight car subway train derailed leaving four passengers seriously injured and another 15 people with minor injuries. Emergency responders quickly reached the accident scene to treat the injured and transport them to local hospitals. Passengers were evacuated through a sidewalk exit while other trains heading in the same direction on the line were halted and the passengers evacuated at nearby stations. The matter is currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the “MTA”).
At present, there is no E train service between Jamaica Center-Parsons Archer and Queens Plaza and no F train service between Jamaica-179 Street and 21st Street-Queensbridge. On both lines, service has been suspended in both directions. Passengers seeking to travel to Queens from Manhattan can take the M train to Essex Street or the R train to Queens Plaza and then take other transportation. Only the 7 train is running as usual in Queens. The MTA is hoping to have local service restored by the evening rush hour and the Long Island Rail Road is cross-honoring subway fares and making all local stops in the area.