A vacuum train operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) caught fire in the Astor Place subway station in Manhattan early Tuesday morning, injuring 14 people, officials said. The four-car maintenance train, which is used to clean debris from the tracks, ignited shortly after 2 a.m., prompting a response from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

The fire, classified as a two-alarm incident, generated heavy smoke both within the station and above ground, complicating evacuation and firefighting efforts. FDNY Assistant Chief Tom Currao noted that crews encountered significant smoke at street and station levels upon arrival. The blaze was brought under control just before 4 a.m.

Among the injured were eight MTA employees and six firefighters, with smoke inhalation identified as the primary cause of their injuries. Of the transit workers affected, five were part of the work train’s crew, while three were station personnel. At least one worker was treated at the scene, and the rest were transported to hospitals but released quickly. Officials stated none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The incident led to disruptions on the Lexington Avenue Line, with power cut to the tracks near the East Village at approximately 2:30 a.m. Service was suspended between Spring Street and 14th Street stations. The smoke also affected in-service trains: a Brooklyn-bound No. 4 train was evacuated, and a downtown No. 6 train did not stop at Astor Place due to heavy smoke. Full service resumed shortly after 6:30 a.m., although water and debris on the tracks delayed the process.

The MTA and FDNY have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate the flames originated in the second car of the four-car vacuum train. This type of work train plays a critical role in subway maintenance, clearing debris along the trackbed. A similar incident involving a vacuum car occurred earlier this year when an Amtrak-operated debris-clearing vehicle caught fire beneath Penn Station.

MTA officials expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred and emphasized that service was restored in time for the morning rush hour. Bill Amarosa, head of NYC Transit’s subways division, was seen inspecting the damaged train car later Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to understand the circumstances leading to the fire and prevent future occurrences.