LIRR train derails in Queens, affects AM commute

An LIRR train derailment in the vicinity of Rego Park and Forest Hills, Queens, Monday night is causing train delays and cancellations during Tuesday morning's commute.

According to the MTA's website at 5:20 a.m., 20 trains are canceled or diverted. Visit http://www.mta.info for details and alternative trains.

The derailed Long Island Rail Road train, which contained no passengers, was headed west toward Penn Station about 9 p.m. when the derailment took place, LIRR spokesman Aaron Donovan said. "No injuries," he said, adding it carried "no one other than the crew members."

The cause of the derailment was not immediately known, he said. LIRR crews were to work overnight to clear and repair the track, he said.