FDNY rescues man stuck in 16-foot hole near Amtrak line in Hell's Kitchen

The FDNY was called to 523 W37th Street Sunday afternoon for reports of a man stuck in a 16-foot hole in the rear of the building. Multiple units responded to the scene, including Rescue Company 1, based at W43rd Street in Hell's Kitchen.

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

FDNY officials on scene said the trapped individual was a homeless man who had access to the backyard of the now-closed Midtown Convention Center hotel at 522 West 53rd Street. The hotel, along with the Affirmation Arts gallery and the building housing the Manhattan Aquarium store, was purchased with eminent domain to create a two-block extension of Bella Abzug Park.

Several FDNY members were seen exiting the opening in the fence after rescuing the individual, who was transported to the hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. A piece of metal fencing found in the backyard was used to temporarily secure the opening and prevent further intrusion.

Homeless people have been known to take up residence in the west side rail sections, often starting 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 during this incident.

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