Crews worked overnight on the F train that derailed Friday in Woodside. Photo by Patrick Cashin/MTA
After a Manhattan-bound F train derailed in Woodside Friday morning, injuring 19 individuals and forcing the evacuation of about 1,000 riders, city officials launched an investigation of the tracks to determine what went wrong – and how such an incident may be prevented.
Last week’s accident occurred about 1,200 feet west of the 65th Street station at 10:24 a.m., and officials have yet to determine the cause. It was discovered, however, that the snapped line responsible for the incident was installed just weeks ago, according to published reports.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast said “the MTA will conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the derailment, including full inspection of signals, track, and all other infrastructure in the area,” according to a release by the agency.
Firefighters help lead passengers out of the subway’s underground via an emergency exit at 60th Street in Woodside. Photo by Patrick Cashin/MTA
With the help of the NYPD and the FDNY, frightened passengers were evacuated from the train to the street via an emergency exit at 60th Street. A second express train in the area was moved back to the Queens Plaza station, where about 100 riders were discharged with no injuries reported.
The evacuations were completed in about two hours.
“The focus originally was on caring for the injured and the safe evacuation of our customers,” MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast said Friday. “The fire and police departments did an excellent job in this effort. The focus is now on a full and thorough investigation of this incident.”
Following Friday evening’s rush hour, Prendergast said the agency focused on re-railing the cars, inspecting and repairing damage, and restoring service when everything has been determined to be safe. The F train was operating again as of Monday.
A number of Queens officials expressed concern over the accident, with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz saying that she looks “forward to reviewing the results of the investigation into this derailment” and hopes “those results lead to safety improvements that will prevent similar accidents.”
“We are fortunate in that recent safety enhancements have already made subway derailments extremely rare, but there is always room for improvement when it comes to safety.”
City officials and emergency responders field questions about Friday’s accident.Photo by Patrick Cashin/MTA
According to report released by the Straphangers Campaign Tuesday, the F train had more delays than any other line in the city. The Straphangers Campaign, a nonprofit that advocates for commuter rights, said in its third annual report on the MTA’s electronic alert system that “delay-generating incidents” in the subways jumped 35 percent between 2011 and 2013. Following the F, the 4 train is the second most delayed subway in the city, with the J/Z line reporting the fewest delays.
“The increase in alerts is a troubling sign that subway service is deteriorating,” said Gene Russianoff, a staff attorney for the Straphangers Campaign.
The MTA responded to the report by saying that since 2011, the amount of time customers have had to wait for a train throughout the system has remained flat.
“We have increased staff and have become more efficient in providing service information in a more timely manner so customers are quickly aware of any incidents that may impact their commute,” the MTA said.
By Anna Gustafson
MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast vowed that his agency would thoroughly investigate the accident. Photo by Patrick Cashin/MTA
Workers at the site of the derailment. Photo by Marc A. Hermann/MTA
Firefighters help passengers off the F train. About 1,000 people had to be evacuated. Photo by Patrick Cashin/MTA
After an F train derailed near the 65th Street station in Woodside, emergency crews, including the FDNY, immediately responded to the scene. Photo by Patrick Cashin/MTA
