Manhattan Astor Place Subway Fire Injures 12

A work (vacuum) train used by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority caught fire at the Astor Place subway station in Manhattan early Tuesday morning. The blaze, which began just before 2:15 a.m., produced heavy smoke and prompted a second‑alarm response from the New York City Fire Department, which dispatched 46 units. Twelve people were taken to hospitals – five FDNY firefighters and seven MTA employees, one of whom suffered potentially serious injuries – while a further employee was evaluated on site.

Service on the 4 and 6 lines between Grand Central–42 St and Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall was suspended, causing delays and prompting the MTA to advise riders to use alternative bus routes. The fire was extinguished after several hours, and service was later restored, though officials warned of continued disruptions while investigations into the cause continue.