Bronx Subway Train Cars Detach: Passengers Evacuated After Mechanical Failure

Subway Train Decoupling Incident

• 🚇 A southbound number four subway train decoupled, separating between the third and fourth cars, near the 149th Street Grand Concourse Station in the Bronx.
• ⚠️ The incident occurred after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday on the southbound tracks between 161st Street and 149th Street.
• 👥 Passengers on board experienced unsettling conditions, including being stuck in the dark for an extended period before evacuation.

Service Disruptions and Evacuation

• ⚡ The decoupling halted service on the 4 and 5 lines between the Bronx and Manhattan for several hours.
• 🏥 Thankfully, all passengers, including a 14-year-old boy who experienced panic and hyperventilation, were safely evacuated by emergency crews.
• ⏰ Service was fully restored after 1:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Investigation and Cause

• ⚙️ The MTA has confirmed the incident was due to a mechanical problem, not human error.
• 🔍 While the R142 subway cars, in service for 25 years, are not considered too old, potential causes include a defect in the coupler system or overlooked maintenance.
• 📈 This is not the first time the MTA has faced similar issues, with a comparable situation occurring on the R179 trains shortly after they entered service.