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NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say smoke from a mechanical problem in a New York City subway tunnel east of Grand Central Terminal forced nearly 550 riders to evacuate their train.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says the problem happened around 8:30 a.m. Monday as a No. 7 train headed from Grand Central toward Queens.
MTA spokeswoman Amanda Kwan (KWAHN') says the trouble stemmed from the electrified third rail's shoe, which normally makes contact with the rail to power trains. She says the shoe got out of position and touched a protective board, causing the smoke.
The train was stopped in the tunnel until passengers could board another train that was brought from Grand Central. The MTA says one person reported feeling faint and sought medical attention.
The Fire Department says no one needed hospitalization.
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