A Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Regional Rail train traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington, Delaware, caught fire around 6 p.m. near the Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park, Delaware County. Approximately 350 passengers were evacuated.
According to SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch, the fire originated beneath the train and subsequently engulfed the first car.
“Very quick action by our crews helped allow this to be a safe outcome,” Busch stated. He noted that the exact starting point of the fire is still under investigation.
Passengers reported noticing smoke several minutes after departing from Philadelphia.
Emergency responders from the Ridley Park Fire Department and Prospect Fire Company arrived promptly to manage the situation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
According to ABC7NY, The incident led to a suspension of service on SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark Line.
Amtrak service along the Northeast Corridor was also affected but has since resumed, though residual delays may occur due to rail congestion.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. SEPTA officials are working to determine the specific circumstances that led to the blaze.
This incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of quick response measures in ensuring passenger safety during unforeseen events on public transportation systems.
