Derailed work train in Queens sends delay ripples through Thursday evening commute

A work train derailment in Queens triggered delays on the rails Thursday that lasted into the evening commutes for Long Island Rail Road riders.

The good news? The 16-car work train is back on the tracks after going off between Queens Village and the Elmont-UBS Arena stations around 10 a.m. as it was heading toward Long Island City. A set of axles on a pair of cars near the middle of the train derailed, though all cars were still upright, the MTA said.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, but some commuters wound up with a headache trying to get around. Eleven trains heading east during the afternoon rush were canceled.

looking to head into New York City from Long Island Thursday night on LIRR can expect delays and cancellations. As of 4 p.m., there was no eastbound train service running from the Elmont UBS Arena station.

The derailment Thursday marks at least the second in just over a month. Back on Aug. 3, 16,000 feet of track had to be replaced after eight rain cars jumped the tracks near Hillside. The incident injured 11 people.

Crews worked around the clock to clear the work train and inspect the tracks. Officials said late Thursday that normal service operations had been restored.