Thousands of New Yorkers Stranded Underground After F Train Power Outage
For many New Yorkers, the commute home turned into a nightmare as they found themselves stuck underground for hours due to a power outage that left two F trains stranded, forcing passengers to evacuate through subway tunnels and service exits.
Approximately 3,500 commuters were spread across the two trains and had to be rescued by firefighters after the power went out between the Jay Street/MetroTech and Hoyt-Schermerhorn stations around 5:30 p.m., according to the MTA.
The passengers on the stalled trains were stuck without air conditioning in the tunnel for over two hours before being rescued by FDNY personnel.
The trapped riders were led off the trains by firefighters into dark subway tunnels and up service stairways that led to trapdoors on Brooklyn sidewalks.
Despite the chaotic situation, passengers commended the MTA staff and firefighters for their assistance during the ordeal.
By 8:20 p.m., all riders and MTA staff on the two trains were successfully evacuated, with only four minor injuries reported.
Despite the challenges, evacuations were carried out in an orderly manner, with no serious injuries reported.
Passengers shared their experiences of being stranded underground, with some forming a sense of community by sharing food and water during the ordeal.
Con Edison is working to restore power before the Thursday morning commute, while the MTA is collaborating with the power supplier to investigate the cause of the outage.
