F train service back on track after subway derailment in Coney Island, Brooklyn
NEW YORK -- Service has been restored on the F train after Wednesday's derailment in Brooklyn.
The MTA says service is running on or close to schedule after crews worked around the clock to re-rail the car that went off the track and move the train out of the way.
The investigation continues into what happened, and it could take several days to learn why it derailed.
An F train carrying 37 people, including three crew members, derailed Wednesday afternoon between the West 8th Street and Neptune stations in Coney Island. First responders were able to evacuate passengers from the elevated tracks without any injuries.
"It seems there may have been a track issue," NYC Transit Authority President Richard Davey said. "Derailments do happen. They shouldn't, but they do from time to time... But customers should feel safe taking the service."
Just last week, two 1 trains collided and derailed near 96th Street on the Upper West Side, and on Dec. 20, there was a partial collision involving an out-of-service N train in Brooklyn. Now, concerned passengers and advocates are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in the subway.
"If they have a track worker checking the track, they should have a supervisor rechecking that work," said Charlton D'Souza, president of Passengers United.
Thursday, at an accessibility announcement at the MTA Metro-North Railroad Scarsdale Station, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber responded to the latest incident.
"We're looking at all things that could have played a role -- the switches, the signals, the equipment and the track. It looks like the track may have been the cause," he said.
Watch Elijah Westbrook's report
Last week's collision, where over two dozen passengers were injured, remains under investigation. It's unclear if radios were working. The National Transportation Safety Board is now taking a look at the entire system, including how it's being managed and supervised.
"It does look like communication between the two people responsible for moving that out-of-service train, which had been vandalized, may have played a role, and we're looking very closely at whether the protocols for communication to prevent that kind of thing were followed," Lieber said.
With recent disruptions, delays and derailments, is the city's subway system safe?
"Subway is the safest way to go, but that said, whenever there is a derailment, we take it very seriously," Lieber said.
We're told the MTA will be now be using new technology to determine in advance if repairs or replacement are needed. Officials say congestion pricing funds will help pay for it.
