A subway operator in New York City heard a pop as smoke began to pour into a 7 line train near Grand Central Terminal at around 11:00 p.m. ET on Monday.
People began coughing and covering their eyes as the smoke-filled train sat for approximately 20 minutes before reversing back to Grand Central and opening its doors. The smoke reportedly came from a track fire, but the cause is unknown, and no injuries were reported.
But that doesn't mean people weren't scared. Below is a video from inside one of the train's cars, followed by photos.
Photo: NYC 7 train fills with smoke under E River, 10 something pm, no MTA explanation: story soon? pic.twitter.com/3wAZFgDh4V
— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) June 3, 2014
Photo: people cover faces, overcome by smoke, talk of God and 9/11/01. Some panic. No MTA announcement pic.twitter.com/48PcFT8QHt
— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) June 3, 2014
7 Train Fills With Mysterious Smoke, Stalls For 20 Minutes http://t.co/v5LfpiNVUQ pic.twitter.com/u4fX66CWt3
— Gothamist (@Gothamist) June 3, 2014
The Metropolitan Transit Authority reportedly said fans were on during the incident and no one was in danger despite the smoke. You can watch a short video of the people shielding themselves from the gas, here.
Passengers were eventually released at Grand Central Terminal, which quickly grew packed.
Photo: As smoke filled 7 train limped back to Grand Central, pandemonium on platform, some pass out pic.twitter.com/vGYnYihRrM
— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) June 3, 2014
The fire disrupted MTA subway service for several hours while firefighters and MTA officials worked to solve the problem. Trains were again allowed to run on the 7 line at around 2 a.m. ET on Tuesday.