BREAKING: LIRR Train Derails in Queens, 13 Passengers Injured
NEW YORK — A Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train derailed on Thursday morning near the Jamaica station in Queens, injuring 13 passengers. All eight cars of the train were affected by the incident.
According to officials, two passengers suffered more serious injuries, but all of the injured individuals are currently in a stable condition after receiving medical treatment. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation.
Passengers on board the train described the chaotic scene when the incident occurred. Cheryl Blu, a passenger on train 722, said, “It kind of just hopped off the rails. You could see the rocks and smoke.” She also mentioned that there was panic among the passengers, with people running away from the smoke.
First responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist passengers. The FDNY Commissioner, Laura Kavanagh, commended their swift and efficient response, stating, “This is a complex and dangerous operation, but they were able to get to work quickly.”
Chopper 2 captured footage of the derailed train cars, which were knocked off the rails. The rescue train transported passengers back to Jamaica, where they were treated for injuries. Some passengers were also taken to local hospitals for further medical evaluation.
The incident has caused disruptions to LIRR service, with delays, cancellations, combined trains, and track changes expected until midday Friday. The MTA urged passengers to check for updates on train service.
MTA Chairman and CEO, Janno Lieber, provided an update on the situation, stating that the derailment occurred in a critical area for track switching. Crews are working to repair the damaged tracks and other infrastructure affected by the incident.
Governor Kathy Hochul has been briefed on the derailment and confirmed that state personnel are assisting with the emergency response.
As investigations into the cause of the derailment continue, the LIRR and MTA are working to ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers. Commuters are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and plan their journeys accordingly.
For the latest information on train service updates, passengers can visit the LIRR website or follow the official LIRR Twitter account for further announcements.