Fire under Metro-North tracks stalls trains, produces large smoke plume

Firefighters reportedly battled a four-alarm fire under the Metro-North train tracks in East Harlem Tuesday evening.

Smoke and flames were reportedly visible from miles away, according to a PIX11 report, billowing up from E. 118th Street and Park Avenue.

The smoke was reportedly caused by a series of propane tank explosions that engulfed two tractor trailers at the scene. Firefighters had to remove 20 more propane tanks from the scene to prevent further explosions, according to a New York Daily News report.

While the fire was out by 8 p.m., at press time, the MTA said service into and out of Grand Central terminal was delayed on all three of the Metro-North lines — Harlem, Hudson and New Haven — CBS News reported. Police also reportedly asked motorists to stay away from Park Avenue between 116th and 119th streets.

The fire broke out at 6:45 p.m., and reached the third alarm by 7:30 p.m., the report read, adding no injuries were known at press time.

By 8 p.m., the fire was down, according to PIX11.

“There were four or five explosions. The flames were roaring. Everything under the overhead was burning,” said Kenny Washington, 59, who witnessed the blaze, told New York Daily News.

Officials said the department sent 168 firefighters and 39 pieces of equipment to tackle the blaze.