Subway service has been restored between 96th and 137th streets in Harlem following a rush-hour No. 1 train derailment Wednesday near 125th Street, but straphangers should expect residual delays.
The cause of Wednesday's derailment remains under investigation. The MTA said a set of wheels on the lead southbound car derailed just before 6 p.m. near the elevated subway stop.
More than 400 people were on board, but no one was reported injured.
Many of the passengers on the train said it felt like someone had pulled the emergency brake.
"The train just stopped, all of a sudden," said Wesley Jones.
"We were sitting down, and we heard this bump and the train just jolted," said Sonia Proctor. "And I said, 'Uh-oh.'"
A rescue train responded to remove the stranded riders, but it initially stopped too far to give people a safe place to exit. The FDNY sent firefighters onto the roof to start getting people out.
"Everybody was getting anxious. It was hot as hell in there," said Genaro Cruz, noting the power and air conditioning were knocked out when the train derailed.
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A second rescue train arrived to push the first one closer, and the firefighters helped escort passengers from car to car to reach the rear of the derailed train, and then board the rescue train. They were taken to 125th Street.
The MTA said derailments are "not a very common occurrence," and estimated one occurs each year.
The last one was about seven months ago, at 81st Street and Central Park West.
