Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video captures explosive fire on elevated train track in Brooklyn
By
Stephen Nessen
and
Catalina Gonella
Published Jun 2, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Stephen Nessen
and
Catalina Gonella
Published Jun 2, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
An explosive fire on an elevated track in Brooklyn on Thursday caused service suspensions and delays, MTA officials said.
The track fire happened near Kosciuszko Street around 8 a.m. along the J line, affecting service along the JMZ. The alarming incident was recorded on video that was posted to Reddit by user Miser and also shared on Twitter by @whatisny. The MTA confirmed the video of the incident was authentic.
The video captures the loud popping that rang out when the fire started. Bright orange sparks showered the street below along with white, strobe-like flashing.
Preliminary findings indicate it may have been a 60-year old power cable that failed and caused a flash fire, according to MTA officials. There were no injuries.
Trains were back in service two hours later, with some M trains running express while the damaged equipment was repaired.
New York City Transit President Richard Davey said he'll take a “fresh look” at the cables throughout the system and check their condition, but doesn't believe any other cables would catch fire.
Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that, while service was affected on the JMZ lines, the fire itself occurred on the J line.
Stephen Nessen
Stephen Nessen covers transportation. Since 2008 he has reported on everything from Occupy Wall Street, the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site, Hurricane Sandy, to Trump’s campaign for president. His transportation reporting has taken him everywhere from the MTA’s secret Rail Control Center to the gleaming subways of Seoul. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Catalina Gonella
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC’s horse carriage drivers feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
Central Park's horse carriage drivers are making their last stand as city lawmakers prepare to abolish the industry.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. ET
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
News
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .