FDNY Rescues Man Trapped in 16-Foot Hole Near Amtrak Line in Hell’s Kitchen

FDNY was called to 523 W37th Street on Sunday afternoon after reports of a man trapped in a 16 foot hole at the rear of the building. Multiple units responded to the scene including Rescue Company 1 which is based at W43rd Street in Hell’s Kitchen.

At the scene, a hole could be seen in fencing adjacent to the Amtrak Empire Line tracks that run north between 10th and 11th Avenues. FDNY told W42ST that the opening in the fence was there when they arrived, but was made bigger to gain access to the trapped individual.

FDNY officials on scene said that the trapped individual was a homeless man who gained access to the rear yard of the now shuttered Midtown Convention Center Hotel at 522 West 38th Street. The hotel, along with Affirmation Arts gallery and the building which housed Manhattan Aquarium store, were purchased with eminent domain to create a two-block extension of Bella Abzug Park .

Multiple FDNY members were seen coming out of the fence opening following the rescue of the individual, who was transported to the hospital in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. A piece of metal fencing found in the rear yard was used to temporarily secure the opening and prevent further trespassing.

Homeless individuals have been known to take up residence in the railway cuts along the west side, oftentimes leading to small fires on the tracks. In October 2022, the Travel Inn Hotel at 515 W42nd Street (bw 10/11th Ave) was evacuated after an encampment on the tracks caught fire . Three firefighters and two civilians were injured in that incident.

According to FDNY officials, a multi-agency response will be coordinated to remove the rubbish left behind and seal up all access points to prevent further trespassing at this location.

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