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Metro-North Restores All Service; NTSB Launches Probe

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Metro-North restored all service on the New Haven Line and Harlem Line out of Grand Central Terminal on Wednesday afternoon after an explosion in Harlem had stopped the trains.

Crews clear debris on Metro-North tracks adjacent to scene of a building collapse at 116th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem.

Crews clear debris on Metro-North tracks adjacent to scene of a building collapse at 116th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem.

Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin

Limited service will be offered from Grand Central Terminal on both lines for the afternoon rush hour. Train riders headed to Fairfield County should expect delays and combined train service, Metro-North said. 

Customers who use the Hudson Line should take the B, D or 4 subways to 161st Street and walk to Metro-North's Yankees - East 153rd Street station.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a go-team to investigate a gas explosion and subsequent fire in New York City, according to a release.

Pipeline Investigator Ravi Charter is leading the team as investigator-in-charge. Board Member Robert L. Sumwalt is accompanying the team and will serve as the principal spokesman during the on-scene phase of the investigation.

Metro-North's structural engineers verified the integrity of the Park Avenue elevated viaduct next to Wednesday morning's explosion scene, according to Metro-North. Two of the four tracks were cleared of debris, inspected for track and third rail integrity by Metro-North and the New York City Fire Department, and restored to service.

The level of train service will increase as more tracks are restored, Metro-North said. Train speeds may be reduced to protect nearby rail workers and to limit vibrations near the explosion site. Customers should expect crowding and delays due to track limitations, and some local and express trains will be combined.

The track configuration does not allow Hudson Line service to operate to and from Grand Central until more tracks are restored. Metro-North is urging customers to delay travel until later, if possible.

The New York City subway will honor Metro-North tickets, and employees will assist customers who have to walk from the B, D and 4 subway stations to the Yankees - East 153rd Street station. Metro-North's Port Jervis and Pascack Valley lines will cross-honor Hudson Line tickets.

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