NYC-Bound Train Leaves Concertgoers Stuck in Heat

Hundreds of riders on a NYC-bound train were left stranded in stifling conditions early Saturday after a New Jersey Transit breakdown turned a late-night ride home from a Chris Brown concert into a long wait on the tracks. About 700 passengers, many returning from MetLife Stadium after a show that also featured Usher, were trapped for roughly two hours before firefighters and transit crews evacuated them.

The train stopped at about 1:45 a.m., and passengers quickly lost both electricity and air-conditioning. One woman described hearing what sounded like smoke and burning rubber before the lights flickered and the train came to a halt. In video posted by videographer Dakota Santiago, she said the conductor told riders only that the power was out, and they then waited as the car grew hotter and more uncomfortable. The FDNY said it received the call at about 1:45 a.m. and sent 21 units to the scene, including 79 fire and EMS personnel. Officials said the incident was brought under control by 3 a.m.

For some passengers, the worst part was how close the train was to its destination. Ernesto Valverde, 37, said it took only about two minutes to reach the platform once riders were finally removed. He said the train had broken down less than a mile from the station, leaving people stuck in heat and humidity for what should have been a short final stretch into Manhattan. Valverde, who attended the concert with his wife, said he posted on social media to criticize New Jersey Transit for what he described as poor service and lack of preparation.