Copper Thievery Suspected in Essex Subway Fire Yesterday

Source: Gothamist

During yesterday’s evening rush, a fire in the Delancey Street-Essex Street subway station delayed trains on the JMZ line. The so-called “smoke condition” sidelined service for hours. Needless to say, straphangers were less than pleased. Foul play is expected in the incident.

NBC News is reporting that an apparent copper wire theft led to a cable striking the third rail and sparking fire. Authorities believe that the alleged illicit activity is actually part of a larger underground criminal operation. Literally – tools were discovered in a nearby enclosure and as much as two thousand feet of copper cable is missing from the station.

Hundreds were evacuated from one of the trains, but no injuries were reported.