MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — A fire on the tracks in one of the East River tunnels at Penn Station is still causing disruptions for commuters Friday morning.

LIRR commuters will have to pivot again as most trains will be diverted from Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal for the morning rush.

While many held their breath hoping service would be restored, that’s not a reality just yet.

Crews responded to the fire just before 11:30 a.m. Thursday on 31st Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues.

This happened in a section of the tunnel owned by Amtrak linking Penn Station to Jamaica that is currently undergoing repairs following Superstorm Sandy.

At least one train was filled with smoke, and power to multiple tracks had to be shut down.

Thankfully, no one was injured, as the FDNY says they are still trying to determine the cause.

For LIRR commuters, Thursday night’s commute was not as smooth as they had hoped.

“Very frustrating. I’m a nurse. I work in the OR all day. When I leave the hospital, I just want to go home to my family. I couldn’t do that today,” a woman said.

A frustrated MTA spokesperson released a statement saying, “Amtrak equipment. Amtrak tunnel. Amtrak tracks. LIRR riders once again are inconvenienced by this Amtrak situation.”

The MTA directed LIRR riders to head to Atlantic Terminal or Grand Central Madison to get home.

As for Friday morning, the MTA says to make sure to check your train status for delays, reroutes, and cancellations.

Follow the latest service updates below:

LIRR service

The subway is cross-honoring LIRR tickets:

  • 34 St-Penn Station, Forest Hills-71 Av, Kew Gardens-Union Tpke, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer on the E line
  • Grand Central-42 St 4, 5, 6, 7 lines
  • Woodside-61 St on the 7 line

    • NJ Transit service

    Following earlier fire department activity east of Penn Station New York, NJ Transit rail service is operating on or close to schedule, with residual delays to trains already enroute, into and out of Penn Station New York.

    NJ Transit Midtown Direct service continues to be diverted into Hoboken Terminal. NJ Transit rail tickets and passes are being cross honored by NJ Transit and private carrier bus and PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd Street, New York.

    Amtrak service

    Amtrak delays could be expected.

    ———-

    * Get Eyewitness News Delivered

    * More Manhattan news

    * Send us a news tip

    * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts on the go

    * Download our connected TV app


    Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

    Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

    Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.