A transformer fire at the City Hall R/W subway stop is sending smoke, flames, and fireworks out into Broadway and Murray Streets, and potentially messing up your evening commute.
— The Real T Fish (@TheRealTFish) October 24, 2017
An FDNY spokesperson says they received a call for the transformer fire just before 4:30 p.m., and that it is not affecting transit. However, according to the MTA's twitter account, R and W trains are bypassing City Hall in both directions due to NYPD activity. Police also appear to be cordoning off the R and W exits.
Electrical fire at City Hall subway stop pic.twitter.com/CQz3OeaANu
— Jillian Jorgensen (@Jill_Jorgensen) October 24, 2017
Underground electric fire going on right now outside City Hall. Cops & FDNY on scene. No injuries apparent. But lots of fireworks and smoke. pic.twitter.com/KgRoIPElB0
— Eric Phillips (@EricFPhillips) October 24, 2017
Yikes. Fire coming from below sidewalk on Broadway and Murray St. pic.twitter.com/I01U8ve77P
— Yaacov Behrman (@ChabadLubavitch) October 24, 2017
A spokesperson for the MTA did not respond to a request for comment—we'll update as we learn more. In the meantime, get your #fire selfies, while it lasts!
Only in NYC will a guy need a selfie by a subway fire 🤔 pic.twitter.com/TNqHUzAQFh
— denis (@denisboring) October 24, 2017
UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: Shams Tarek, a spokesperson for the MTA, told Gothamist that "Police are investigating a manhole explosion there - R and W trains are bypassing the City Hall station right now." No injuries have been reported.