Power cut stops trains between NY and Washington

NEW YORK: A major power outage has severely affected train service between New York and Washington, a key northeast route, and other regional services, rail operator Amtrak said on Thursday.

"Our northeast corridor is currently experiencing a major power outage affecting train operations between Washington and New York, and between Philadelphia and Harrisburg," Amtrak said in a statement.

Television news footage showed passengers being escorted from trains, and crowds of confused travellers filling station platforms.

Amtrak said it did not know what had caused the huge power outage, but that it was investigating the vast power cut.

"We're working to restore power but do not yet have an estimated time to restore operations. All trains are holding for restoration," Amtrak said.

The power cut hit during the height of the morning rush hour and Amtrak said it was using diesel locomotives to remove several trains from tunnels in New York and Baltimore.