Smoky fire beneath NYC bridge halts Metro-North trains, could hinder evening service

Bridge fire hampers rail service into, out of NYC

NEW YORK — A smoky fire that erupted beneath a railroad bridge in New York City has halted some commuter trains and Metro-North railroad says it could affect the evening rush hour. No injuries have been reported.

Metro-North spokeswoman Marjorie Anders said Monday afternoon that it could take hours to inspect the bridge once the fire is out. Commuters are being told to use subway connections.

The fire occurred beneath the 138th Street lift bridge. Train service was suspended at 11:45 a.m.

Television images showed pilings on fire in the Harlem River. Huge orange flames were visible, and plumes of white and black smoke billowed over the river and East Harlem. The fire department said marine units were “hitting the fire” with water.

The railroad carries about 135,000 people into Manhattan each morning.