COMMUTERS experienced chaos on Tuesday morning following a fire that led to widespread train cancellations at Grand Central Terminal.
Trains came to a halt, streets were obstructed, and emergency personnel quickly responded as dense smoke billowed through a tunnel.
The incident occurred in the area surrounding Grand Central Place and Madison Avenue in Manhattan, according to officials.
The FDNY confirmed it received the first report of smoke at 8:08 am.
Dozens of firefighters rushed to the scene to control the smoke pouring out of the tunnel.
Initially, 60 firefighters responded to the emergency, according to officials.
But the response escalated quickly as the situation worsened inside the tunnel.
By 10:16 am, a second alarm was transmitted, bringing the total to more than 100 firefighters at the scene.
Authorities warned travelers to avoid the area and brace for major delays.
Operations remained ongoing with no injuries reported, FDNY officials said.
“Expect traffic delays, road closures, mass transit disruptions & emergency personnel near E 43rd St & Lexington Ave,” FDNY said on X.
“Use alternate routes,” they added.
Officials said operations were still ongoing as of 10:42 am.
The Long Island Rail Road was hit hard by the emergency response.
Port Washington Branch service into Grand Central was suspended due to the fire activity, MTA said.
Other lines saw westbound trains canceled at Jamaica Station or rerouted to Penn Station or Atlantic Terminal.
“Service in and out of Grand Central has been suspended,” the MTA confirmed.
Subway lines began cross-honoring LIRR fares to ease the morning rush.
