Amtrak trains suspended for rest of Tuesday between NYC, New Haven due to Bronx fires

PARKCHESTER, Bronx (WABC) — Amtrak says trains operating between New York (NYP) and New Haven (NHV) have been suspended for the rest of the day Tuesday due to separate fires near tracks in the Bronx.

FDNY firefighters responded to the scene of two separate substation fires that took place next to each other.

First, a fire and transformer explosion was reported at a 60,000 square-foot warehouse on Bronxdale Avenue between Van Nest and East Tremont avenues around 2:15 p.m. The warehouse is used to store auto parts and vehicles, among other things.

Then, just after 2:30 p.m., another fire was reported a quarter mile away at an Amtrak substation on White Plains Road and Baker Avenue.

A high voltage feeder line that powers trains caught fire at the substation, causing Amtrak to shut down power to their lines.

The fire spread from Amtrak’s property to a Con Edison substation next door — setting three cars on fire in that parking lot. Con Ed said there was no impact to its infrastructure or customers from that blaze.

FDNY officials said during an evening presser that both fires were placed under control around 5:50 p.m.

They confirmed that there was a brush fire on the scene, but it remains under investigation whether that led to the two original fires.

No injuries were reported, however, the potential residual effects for commuters could reach Boston South Station.

Trains approaching New York Penn Station are being moved out of the area at reduced speeds using diesel-powered engines and a lengthy delay is expected for all trains scheduled to run in the impacted area.

There is currently no estimate for when normal operations will resume. Amtrak passengers are advised to allow for additional travel time.

Customers traveling between New York to New Haven are encouraged to use Metro-North Railroad services as they are honoring Amtrak tickets. Customers will need to board Metro-North trains at Grand Central.

Those passengers will have to travel between Penn Station and Grand Central via subway or their own means.

The Department of Health is advising people in the area to keep their windows closed and stay inside to avoid exposure to the smoke.

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