A subway train derailed and collided with another train in an Upper West Side station in Manhattan around 8:15 AM Thursday morning, causing chaos and significant injuries during the busy morning commute. Over 20 people have been reported injured so far in the devastating crash that has brought subway service to a standstill.
Collision Occurs Between Northbound 1 Train and 2 Train
According to information from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City emergency officials, the train derailment and collision occurred at the 96th Street station on the Upper West Side.
A northbound 1 train derailed as it was entering the station, slamming into a 2 train that was partly in the station. “The train just started careening off the tracks,” said a passenger on the derailed 1 train. “It was going into turns fast, next thing you know we’re sideways and the people on the other side are looking at us as we’re looking at them.”
At least one car of the nine-car 1 train derailed. “There was a loud crashing noise and people flew forward,” reported a 2 train passenger. “We could see into the windows of the other train.”
The front car of the 1 train bore the brunt of the crash’s impact. Photos from the scene show the crumpled remains of the front car practically wrapped around the 2 train.
| Train | Direction | Derailed? | Cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 train | Northbound | Yes | 9 cars total |
| 2 train | Southbound | No | Unknown |
Over 20 Injuries Reported
At least 24 people have been injured so far, including five trauma patients. Most injuries are believed to be minor at this point.
Still, passengers described terrifying scenes of chaos and panic after the collision. “There was smoke and screaming,” said one rider. “People had fallen out of their seats all over each other. One woman looked like she had broken her leg.”
Several passengers were seen exiting the station covered in blood, while others were treated by EMTs for cuts and other injuries. Nearby hospitals have reported receiving multiple patients from the scene.
Rescue crews had to cut into the trains to reach some trapped passengers. The FDNY and NYPD are continuing rescue operations at this hour.
Subway Service Halted, Investigations Underway
The derailment and collision have brought subway service to a standstill during the critical morning commute on the Upper West Side.
The MTA has suspended service on the 1, 2 and 3 lines. And since the collision blocked tracks, several other lines that share tunnels with the 1/2/3 trains are seeing residual impacts.
Shuttles are running to help affected commuters complete their trips. Still, the MTA estimates it will take at least until the evening rush hour to restore full service on the suspended lines.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is sending a team to investigate the cause of the derailment. Law enforcement is also conducting a full investigation.
While authorities said it does not appear intentional at this stage, officials said they would not rule anything out yet. The FBI and NYPD will assist with cataloging evidence and interviewing personnel.
Derailment Raises Concerns About Aging Subway Infrastructure
Thursday’s incident has renewed concerns about the safety and maintenance of New York’s aging subway infrastructure.
The subway system relies on technology that is over a century old in some places. Trains were already delayed every 7.4 minutes on average before today’s crash.
Critics have accused the MTA of neglecting basic upkeep while focusing too much on expansion projects. Equipment failures were the leading cause of delays last year, data shows.
Still, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed confidence in the MTA’s leadership. “I know the MTA has inspected every inch of track” and “has a detailed process in place,” she tweeted after the derailment.
Ultimately, it will fall to investigators to determine if infrastructure was a factor in the accident. For now, the MTA maintains it is too early to tell without a full probe.
Either way, Thursday’s events will likely intensify pressure on the agency to modernize its aging transit backbone. With ridership rebounding post-pandemic, the MTA simply cannot afford system safety shortcomings many New Yorkers now perceive.
Officials Vow Thorough Inquiry But Caution Patience
Both New York City and State leaders vowed there would be a full investigation into the cause of Thursday’s derailment and collision.
However, officials warned the public that determining exactly what went wrong will take time. “This is likely to be a protracted inquiry,” said the NTSB in a statement.
Mayor Eric Adams agreed, asking New Yorkers for patience and understanding. “We know you have questions,” the Mayor acknowledged. “We ask the public to reserve judgment until a full investigation is complete.”
In the meantime, the MTA estimates full subway service will resume on the 1/2/3 lines before Friday morning’s commute.
Crews continue working diligently to clear damaged trains from tracks and make repairs at the 96th Street station. Their progress will determine when authorities give the green light to relaunch service.
For now, impacted riders can use special shuttle buses the MTA is operating. The agency will also offer courtesy refunds to monthly pass holders unable to utilize trains.
Relief Efforts Underway As Recovery Begins
Even as investigations press forward, the focus Thursday evening has shifted to relief and recovery efforts.
The Red Cross has set up an aid station at the 96 Street station to assist those affected. Several area hospitals report they continue receiving passengers injured in the derailment.
However, the number of critical patients has declined, allowing hospitals to pivot resources towards the larger pool of riders nursing less serious wounds.
The MTA has crews working diligently to repair damaged infrastructure at the station. Removing the two mangled trains is their top priority.
Until crews can clear the crash scene, full service cannot resume on the suspended subway lines. Repairing impacted tunnels will also take time.
For stranded commuters, the MTA continues operating special shuttle buses between stops. Rideshares are also offering discounted fares to accommodation overflow transit demand.
As the investigation continues, the MTA insists it will implement any recommended safety improvements that result. That vow provides little immediate comfort to tens of thousands of commuters dealing with transit headaches though.
In the end, Thursday’s derailment delivered a harsh reminder of the critical role subways serve in New York. When the system fails – no matter the cause – the consequences ripple widely. For riders left scrambling by the morning’s events, restoring safe, reliable service is all that matters.
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