METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New York subway derailment caused by human error, not track defect

The derailment tossed people to the floor and forced hundreds of passengers to evacuate through darkened tunnels.

June 29, 2017
New York subway derailment caused by human error, not track defect

 

1 min to read


NEW YORK — The Washington Times reports that the New York City subway train derailment, which injured nearly three dozen people and sparked major delays, is being blamed on human error, not a track defect.

A preliminary investigation indicates the derailment on Tuesday in Harlem was caused by “an improperly secured piece of replacement rail that was stored on the tracks,” according to a joint statement from Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Joe Lhota and Interim Executive Director Ronnie Hakim.

Ad Loading...

WATCH: MTA, FDNY evacuate subway trains in Harlem after derailment https://t.co/bE6KQiNOwSpic.twitter.com/Y2Y90RFqLe

— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) June 27, 2017

The derailment tossed people to the floor and forced hundreds of passengers to evacuate through darkened tunnels. For the full story, click here.

More Rail

An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak

Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.

Read More →
Finding the Right Balance: Optimizing Transit Maintenance
ManagementAugust 14, 2026

Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability

The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.

Read More →
An pink and white OKC streetcar moves down a street.
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 7, 2026

OKC Streetcar Makes Zero-Fare Service Permanent

Ridership increased an average of 71% compared with the same period a year earlier during the fare-free pilot.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 6, 2026

DART Customer Satisfaction Reaches Six-Year High

Overall satisfaction rose to 74.9%, while the agency’s Net Promoter Score reached a record 33.7.

Read More →
Innovative Solutions Awards: DART, Kuba Pay Launch Next-Gen Fare Payment
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 5, 2026

How DART's GoPass Is Redefining Regional Mobility

Serving 14 transit agencies, GoPass simplifies multimodal travel by allowing riders to plan, pay for, and manage an entire trip through one app.

Read More →
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby Alex RomanAugust 3, 2026

Amtrak Board Advances Plan to Restructure Organization, Seeks Public Input

The proposal, developed by Amtrak management and approved by the board for further consideration, is intended to modernize the organization's structure while improving accountability, operational efficiency, and customer service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Metra Electric Line Vehicles
Railby Staff and News ReportsJuly 24, 2026

Metra Celebrates 100 Years of Electric Rail, Looks to the Future

The event was also a celebration of recent reforms to public transportation in the Chicago area, changes that could be as transformative in the future as the major civic achievement a century ago, said officials.

Read More →
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →