Train catches fire: 350 passengers evacuated
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 16
The fire started in one of the train’s six cars, prompting conductors to stop the train and order an evacuation.
SEPTA train traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington caught fire on Thursday evening near Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park, Delaware County. The incident, which occurred around 6:00 p.m February 6, led according to 6 Action News to a rapid emergency response, with all 350 passengers safely evacuated.
According to officials, the fire started in one of the train’s six cars, prompting conductors to stop the train and order an evacuation. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke and flames as firefighters rushed to the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Emergency responders worked quickly to contain the fire, while passengers were assisted onto alternate transportation.
Under investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities examining whether mechanical failure or another factor contributed to the blaze. SEPTA service in the area was temporarily suspended as crews cleared the scene and assessed the damage.
In addition to the recent train fire near Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park, SEPTA has experienced several notable incidents in recent years:
August 22, 2017: A SEPTA train collided with an empty, stationary train inside the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. The crash resulted in injuries to 42 individuals, including the train engineer.
October 13, 2021: A woman was sexually assaulted on a SEPTA Market-Frankford Line train. The incident drew significant attention due to reports that bystanders did not intervene during the assault.
Key facts about SEPTA
SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) operates the public transit system serving Philadelphia and its surrounding counties, including parts of Delaware and New Jersey. Here are some key facts about SEPTA trains:
Founded: 1963
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Service Area: Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, with some routes extending into New Jersey and Delaware.
Annual Ridership: Over 200 million trips across all transit modes.
SEPTA Regional Rail
Number of Lines: 13
Total stations: 154
Total route length: ~280 miles (450 km)
Fleet: Consists of electric and diesel-electric multiple unit (EMU/DMU) trains.
Key routes: Includes popular lines like the Paoli/Thorndale, Media/Wawa, and Wilmington/Newark lines.
Major hubs:
30th Street Station (Philadelphia’s primary rail hub)
Jefferson Station
Suburban Station
Train safety & operations:
Electrification: Most SEPTA regional rail lines are electrified, using overhead catenary wires.
Speed: Trains typically operate at speeds of up to 70 mph (113 km/h).
Safety features: Includes Positive Train Control (PTC), which helps prevent collisions and derailments.
SEPTA employees & financial situation
Number of employees: Approximately 9,500
Includes train operators, bus drivers, maintenance workers, administrative staff, and security personnel.
Financial situation
Annual budget: Around $2 billion
Revenue Sources:
Passenger fares (~30%)
State and federal funding (~50%)
Local government contributions and other sources (~20%)
Challenges:
Declining ridership post-pandemic has impacted fare revenue.
Increasing costs for maintenance, new trains, and infrastructure upgrades.
SEPTA has been lobbying for increased state and federal funding to address financial gaps.
Recent Developments:
SEPTA is investing in fleet modernization, including new electric buses and updated train cars.
The agency faces occasional budget shortfalls, leading to discussions on service cuts or fare hikes.
