If you were planning to catch a train through New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal on Tuesday morning, you probably found your plans completely derailed.
Right in the middle of rush hour, a fire broke out, leading to a huge emergency response and the full shutdown of the station.
Fire Sparks Massive Emergency Response at Grand Central
Just after 8:15 a.m., firefighters rushed to Grand Central on Manhattan’s 42nd Street after a two-alarm fire was reported.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and emergency teams quickly mobilized, flooding the station with over a hundred firefighters who battled the blaze and thick smoke.
The city’s emergency management agency posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the fire was still active as they worked to get the situation under control.
Meanwhile, smoke and fire disrupted transit systems tied to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), causing serious headaches for commuters.
Train Services Suspended and Rerouted Across the Region
Because of the fire, multiple train lines were either suspended or rerouted to avoid the affected areas.
The MTA’s Long Island Rail Road confirmed on their social media that several branches — including Babylon, Hempstead, and Port Jefferson — were being diverted to Atlantic Terminal instead.
In total, eight LIRR branches saw significant service interruptions, forcing thousands of passengers to scramble for alternatives during the already busy morning commute.
Grand Central: A Bustling Transit Hub Grounded by Fire
Grand Central isn’t just any train station — it’s one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, with over 750,000 people passing through each day.
It’s also a tourist hotspot, known for its grand marble interiors and bustling platforms.
The station handles seven NYC subway lines, with 67 tracks and 44 platforms, plus three Metro-North lines and the LIRR.
So when something like this happens, the ripple effects are felt all over the city’s transport network.
Firefighters Work Tirelessly to Control the Situation
Photos shared by the FDNY showed firefighters gathered on platforms, using flashlights to inspect tunnels and stopped trains as they worked to contain the fire and clear the smoke.
Emergency management officials said ventilation fans were being used to help clear the smoke from the station, and the response teams remained on site as the situation developed.
No Injuries Reported but Disruptions Continue
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far.
But with the fire still active and emergency crews working hard, train delays and reroutes are expected to continue for some time.
Officials have warned commuters that further service changes could happen as they monitor and manage the emergency.
What’s Next for Grand Central and Commuters
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and it’s unclear how long it will take to fully extinguish the flames and restore normal service.
Given the scale of the station and the importance of the rail lines running through it, this disruption will likely impact thousands of commuters throughout the day.
This is a developing story, and updates will come as more information becomes available.