A mechanical failure has been identified as the potential cause for the detachment of subway cars from a train in the Bronx last weekend. The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday near the 149th Street-Grand Concourse station in the Mott Haven area.
Incident Details
Officials reported that three cars detached from a ten-car No. 4 subway train. This unexpected separation interrupted train service at the station. New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow described the incident as “unusual” but noted that the train’s brakes engaged effectively, halting both sections safely.
Passenger Experience
The event was alarming for the approximately 238 passengers on board. Jesus Aponte, a commuter from the Bronx, shared his distressing experience of hearing a loud crash followed by sparks and darkness. He was among the passengers who felt the impact as the train was in motion.
- Passengers in the first three cars: 60
- Total passengers on the train: 238
Aponte recounted the moment, stating, “It was like a big ‘buh-boom.’ It was like it jumped up and came down.” After the incident, the train conductor conducted an inspection of the train and tracks.
Concerns from Families
After hearing about the incident, families of passengers awaited news. Bridgette Berkley, a mother, expressed her anxiety over her son, who was also on the train. She described him as panicking and hyperventilating, emphasizing the emotional stress of the situation.
Response and Investigation
Emergency services, including firefighters and police, responded and reached the detached train cars approximately 30 minutes later. Aponte stated that the crew had to wait for the MTA to disable the electricity before they could assist passengers safely.
In response to the incident, the MTA has opened an investigation. Crichlow reassured the public about the agency’s rigorous inspection protocols for subway cars. More than 1,000 R-142 subway cars are now under examination following this occurrence.
Maintenance and Safety Protocols
Although the R-142 cars are assembled as a set, the cars involved in the separation had been separated in a yard in June and had passed inspection in August. A rescue train was deployed to allow passengers to safely transfer from the disabled train to the platform. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Train service at the station has since been restored as the MTA continues to investigate the mechanical failure that led to this unsettling event.
