Fire Under Bridge Halts Some Suburban NYC Trains

A large fire under a bridge sent billowing smoke over New York and shut down commuter rail service between Manhattan and the northern suburbs on Monday, leaving evening rush-hour service in doubt for some 135,000 commuters.

No injuries were reported.

Television images showed pilings on fire in the Harlem River under the 138th Street lift bridge and FDNY marine units hitting the fire with water. Huge orange flames were visible, and plumes of white and black smoke billowed over the river and East Harlem.

The fire began shortly before noon and was declared under control around 1:30 p.m. The Fire Department said the cause was not immediately known.

A railroad spokeswoman, Marjorie Anders, said it could take hours to inspect the bridge for damage.

Riders leaving the city were taking the subway to the Yankee Stadium area for connections north; several subway alternatives were available for southbound commuters.