A Queens-bound train on the subway's No. 7 line filled with smoke Monday night near Grand Central Terminal, forcing the train to be evacuated and disrupting service for several hours, MTA officials say.
The MTA says a conductor in a 7 train bound for Queens heard a pop just before it went into a tunnel at around 11 p.m. Afterward, smoke began spreading through the train and the power was shut off. The train sat near the tunnel for about 20 minutes before before it reversed course and went back to Grand Central, where passengers were able to disembark.
Straphangers on the train posted photos of fellow passengers covering their faces with shirts and tweeted about smoke inside the cars. The MTA says that while riders might have smelled the smoke, they were in no danger and that fans were running during the entire stoppage.
After the train returned, FDNY crews worked the scene for several hours before clearing out at about 2 a.m. Tuesday.
No injuries were reported.
Service on the line between Times Square and Hunters Point Avenue in Long Island City was suspended for about an hour and a half while firefighters and MTA crews worked. Service resumed with delays early on Tuesday.
The cause of the smoke is under investigation.
