UPDATE: For subway service information following Friday’s derailment, click here.
An F train with a thousand passengers onboard derailed in Queens on Friday morning, causing injuries and subway service changes.
The Manhattan-bound train had just passed through the 65th Street station in Woodside on the express track when six of eight cars derailed about 10:30 a.m., officials said.
Firefighters responded to the area near Broadway and 60th Street, the fire department said. At least 19 people were reportedly injured, four of them potentially seriously.
Firefighters went through every car before aiding passengers as they evacuated, some through an emergency hatch. The biggest challenge, officials said, was the sheer number of people who needed to be helped.
The FDNY citywide tour commander, Deputy Assistant Chief James Leonard, said authorities appreciated the riders’ response during the derailment.
“They remained calm; they’re New Yorkers,” Leonard said.
Officials said the first and last cars did not derail. The derailed train had been moved back to 65th Street station on the express track by the afternoon and would remain there until after rush hour.
“The accident is under investigation,” MTA head Tom Prendergast said, noting that track signals, train operation, track and other factors will be probed.
The track was damaged during the derailment, and subway service would likely not fully resume for several days. Still, Prendergast said the local lines near the station should be ready in time for the Friday’s evening commute.
Early Friday afternoon, the MTA said to expect delays on the E, F, M and R lines. The Long Island Railroad was cross-honoring MetroCards at Penn Station, Woodside, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Jamaica.
Here are the latest service updates:
Follow Anna Sanders on Twitter @AnnaESanders
