MTA: Subway delay nightmare caused by 'improperly secured' trash

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA says a series of subway delays that caused a morning commute headache was caused by trash that fell off of a refuse train at 14th Street.

The train with mechanical problems was a southbound Q train that got stuck in garbage. The garbage was not properly secured, according to the MTA, and the employee responsible will be disciplined. Once the train hit the garbage, emergency breaks initiated. The train was eventually cleared, but later got stuck again at DeKalb Avenue because of a power issue.

MTA released a statement saying in part,

"New York City Transit and the MTA have zero tolerance for worker errors that cause service problems. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as necessary pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation."

M train service was suspended on most of the line from Myrtle Ave to Forest Hills. B, D, N and Q trains were running on alternate lines. Delays were also reported on the B, D, F, M, N, Q and R trains.

In an unrelated issue, the 7 train was suspended between Queens and Manhattan for a short period.

Commuters were being advised to take the N and the W to Queensboro Plaza for the 7, or take the E, F or R train to Roosevelt Avenue-Jackson Heights.