A train knocked a piece of equipment into the third rail at a Washington Heights subway station Tuesday, sending smoke into the air and leaving 18 people with minor injuries, authorities said.

The train hit the equipment on the tracks at the 191st Street 1 train station around 12:50 p.m., FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Mike Woods said.

The object made contact with the third rail, sending sparks flying and creating a smoke condition, Woods said.

Eighteen people suffered minor smoke inhalation-related injuries, two of whom refused medical attention at the scene and 16 of whom were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, the FDNY said Wednesday. Woods initially said nine people were injured.

The FDNY said firefighters brought the situation under control in about an hour. 

The MTA said 1 trains were running with severe delays in both directions Tuesday afternoon. The agency advised riders to take A or C trains instead.

The city’s Emergency Management department said to expect delays and road closures near West 191st Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.