Cleanup of Train Wreck Debris Underway; Metro-North Service Remains Disrupted

Update, 12:04 p.m. 

The following is a CodeRed alert from Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau: 

"Metro North and MTA continue to work on clearing and repairing the tracks. We are waiting to hear how soon they can restore power and service to our Fairfield stations.

Commuters need to be prepared for a long commute on Monday. Please make alternate plans and please consider staying home if possible. I-95 is expected to be overloaded. Metro North may have some buses available but the only thing they have said so far is that they will not have enough to handle the 20,000 passengers that travel this section of the line. 

We are making plans for a busy and chaotic Monday commute at our three train stations. Everyone attempting to use the rail lines will need to be patient as we work through these difficulties. As soon as we hear from Metro North, we can finalize our local plans. Please stay tuned to local media, the town website as well as Police, Fire and Town Facebook pages.

Let’s please keep the injured in our thoughts and prayers and ask for a speedy recovery.

Thank you for your understanding and your patience as we work through this together."

Original Story

Cleanup has begun on the section of Metro-North railroad between Bridgeport and Fairfield that became the site of a collision between two trains Friday after one derailed.  

Officials are slowly removing the train cars from the tracks. The work is expected to be completed today.   

Though the debris may be removed by the end of the day, repairing and preparing the tracks for use could take days.    

"Only after the damaged train cars have been removed can Metro-North begin the work of rebuilding the damaged tracks and overhead wires," the Metropolitan Transit Authority stated in a release.  

"It is a significant undertaking that could take days to complete."  

Metro-North New Haven line service remains suspended between New Haven and South Norwalk. For a full explanation of Metro-North service, click here.  

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has stated it will announce at some point Sunday service plans for commuters traveling from east of South Norwalk.  

"It should be noted, however, that travel times will be significantly longer than normal and customers are encourage to seek alternative ways to get to and from work," the Department of Transportation stated Sunday.  

Connecticut Rail Commuter Council Chairman Jim Cameron predicts "many people will probably endure a crawl down I-95 to a station (Darien, Stamford, Greenwich) which does have trains."  

"Our advice would be get there EARLY as parking is always tight at these stations with just regular commuters," Cameron stated in an email to commuters.   He advised that those who can should work from home Monday or plan to stay with a friend in New York City Sunday evening into Monday.  

The cause of the collision has yet to be determined. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) inspection of the accident is anticipated to take 7-10 days. NTSB member Earl Weener told the media Saturday that investigators will not determine or speculate a cause while on scene.  

Of interest to the investigation so far is a broken rail found at the site of the collision. Investigators are trying to determine whether the rail was fractured prior to the incident or as a result of the crash.  

The accident sent 70 to St. Vincent's and Bridgeport hospitals Friday. Nine remained in the hospital on Saturday, per Gov. Dannel Malloy's office. One victim was still in critical condition.