LIRR Trains Delayed and Canceled After Feeder Cable Fire at Penn Station Causes Major Service Disruptions Across NYC
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuters faced major disruption on Thursday after a feeder cable fire at Penn Station triggered widespread delays, cancellations, and service reroutes across multiple branches. The incident, reported around noon, led to smoke conditions inside one of New York’s busiest transit hubs, forcing immediate operational changes by the MTA.
According to FDNY officials, the disruption was caused by a feeder cable fire near Penn Station, prompting emergency response and precautionary service adjustments. As a result, Babylon and Huntington branch trains bound for Penn Station were diverted to Grand Central Terminal, while Ronkonkoma and Port Washington services were canceled entirely. Riders on the Far Rockaway and Long Beach branches also experienced significant delays.
The MTA confirmed that all westbound LIRR trains heading to Penn Station were terminating early at Jamaica Station, creating additional crowding and schedule changes across the network. To ease commuter impact, subway lines in the City Terminal Zone—including Penn Station, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer (E line), Grand Central (4, 5, 6, 7 lines), and Woodside (7 line)—are cross-honoring LIRR tickets.
Officials urged passengers to check real-time updates before traveling as service conditions continued to evolve throughout the day. Recovery timelines remain uncertain as crews assess the extent of the electrical damage and work to restore normal operations.