LIRR: Workplace accident causes suspension, delays

An accident involving a Long Island Rail Road worker who touched an electrified wire led to Wednesday morning’s rush hour service suspension, LIRR officials said. 

According to the railroad, the LIRR employee was working at the Harold Interlocking in Sunnyside, Queens when he made contact with an overhead catenary wire and sustained an injury. 

The wires are used to power Amtrak trains, which also use the busy train junction. 

A subsequent police investigation resulted in a temporary service suspension Tuesday morning between Jamaica and Penn Station and, later, delays averaging 15 minutes. 

The railroad first reported police activity west of Woodside about 5 a.m. and then reported about 20 minutes later that service was suspended in both directions between Penn and Jamaica. By 5:33 a.m. that service had been restored, but with residual delays.

By 9 a.m., the LIRR reported it was operating on or close to schedule.