Strike-crowded Philly commuter train catches fire during morning rush; no injuries reported

By MARTHA RAFFAELE , Associated Press

Last update: November 4, 2009 - 6:59 AM

PHILADELPHIA - Fire has broken out on a Philadelphia commuter train during the morning rush, complicating commutes hampered by the city's transit strike. Officials say no injuries have been reported.

Flames were shooting from the front of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority regional train shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday, the strike's second day. A big cloud of smoke also billowed from the train, which was heading east from the Overbrook station in West Philadelphia toward the Amtrak station in Center City.

Thirty-seven-year-old paralegal Laura Bryans says the train started to smoke at the station and conductors told everyone to move to the rear cars. The train was eventually halted and evacuated, stranding commuters, but SEPTA spokesman Gary Fairfax says no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.

Recent Nation stories

Obama engineering a love for science - November 4, 2009

Obama engineering a love for science - The White House is recruiting industry and nonprofits in a broad effort to inspire kids to pursue math and technical fields. More