At least 103 people suffered minor injuries when a Long Island Railroad train (LIRR) crashed at Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal.
The New York Fire Department reported that the injuries sustained in the January 4 crash were non life-threatening. One person suffered a broken leg, which was the most serious injury, the New York governor said on Twitter.
76 non life-threatening injuries reported at scene of LIRR train derailment, Atlantic Terminal Brooklyn
Photos and video posted on Twitter showed the train’s door smashed with a broken window and people being brought out of the train station on stretchers.
A passenger of the #LIRR train that derailed at Atlantic Terminal said riders “were catapulted” in the crash t.co/MAI7jIjwJ6
According to The New York Daily News, the train partially derailed. The newspaper said it “was arriving at the Atlantic Terminal about 8:20 a.m. when it overshot the platform and slammed into the bumper block, causing a sharp stop and a partial derailment.”
The cause of the crash was still under investigation, although speed is one angle that is being considered.
Reporters tweeted that the train had slammed into a waiting room.
Fire Dept briefing at #LIRR derailment underway now. Train ran past end of tracks and broke into wall of adjacent room.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was at the scene. He tweeted, “The @LIRR train was supposed to stop at a bumper & didn’t, but glad to report there were no deaths; the most serious injury was a broken leg.”
Gov Cuomo on scene of this morning’s LIRR accident
Here are some of the videos and photos circulating on social media after the incident:
BREAKING: Video I took moments after the #LIRRderailment at Atlantic Terminal. Dozens hurt; no life threatening injuries.
PHOTO: of injured patients being brought out on stretchers after @LIRR train derailed at #AtlanticTerminal @fox5ny
DEVELOPING: LIRR commuter train derailed at Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, NY. A least 18 people have minor injuries, FDNY says.
Injured being evacuated from an LIRR derailment at Atlantic Terminal.
Photos from the scene of the #LIRR Atlantic Terminal derailment (Courtesy: @KathyPycz)
NOW: Train Derailment @ the @LIRR Atlantic Terminal / F’bush Ave. Rescue Units on the scene. Minor injuries. Expect traffic/train delays
According to CBS New York, “Police said the train operator somehow missed the mark while entering station, failing to break properly and and hit the failsafe at the end of the platform.”
Some passengers told the television station that they felt a “jolt” that “sent people flying.” There were delays expected on some subway lines as a result of the derailment.
The train was “tipped slightly at an angle,” reported NBC New York, which said the derailment occurred at the height of the January 4 Wednesday morning rush hour.
Delays were expected, but service should be restored to the terminal by evening, officials said.