A southbound 4 train in the Bronx experienced a scary incident Sunday evening when two cars of the train detached while in motion which forced an emergency evacuation. The situation happened at around 5:15 p.m. between the 161st Street and 149th Street-Grand Concourse stations.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority thankfully confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated. No one reported any injuries, but the passengers were quite shaken by this event.
“It’s very alarming and it’s scary for passengers. We don’t know if this could have been a rail problem or an issue with the train, itself,” said Charlton D’Souza, the president of advocacy group Passengers United.
The MTA said service on the 4 and 5 lines was temporarily held up as crews worked to fix the detached cars and inspect the train for damage. Investigators are examining what caused the incident.
The Bronx is used to the travel delays, but this circumstance was unusual. “If you live in the Bronx, you cannot reliably get home on the weekends, and often late at night,” said a resident named Eric Forman. “It is a travesty, frankly.”
The event causes the community and travelers to question subway maintenance and safety in New York City because it’s a system used by millions every day. Some say it highlights the importance of travel safety.
“Here in the Bronx, I think the 4/5, the service is stopping a lot of days during the weekends,” Amanda Carneiro said as her message to the MTA. “This is so essential to us and you should improve it.”
Passengers expressed relief that everyone made it out safely, but many said the experience was unsettling. One mother, Bridget Berkley, reported her son was very frightened and impacted by this event while she awaited his arrival.
“It’s very panicky. I’ve been standing here stressed and worried for my son,” Berkley said. “He’s 14 years old, panicking, hyperventilating. He’s going through the works. He just said the power went out. The conductor didn’t say too much of anything of what’s going on.”
The MTA continues to investigate and will release findings once the cause is determined. Meanwhile, passengers are left to process a rare, frightening incident that ended without injuries but left a lasting impression.
