SEPTA train carrying about 350 people goes up in flames in Delaware County
The six-car train was carrying roughly 350 people from Philadelphia to Wilmington when it caught fire
RIDLEY PARK, Pa. (WPVI) -- A SEPTA train carrying roughly 350 people went up in flames on Thursday night in Delaware County.
It happened around 6 p.m. near the Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park.
The six-car train was traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington when it caught fire. An image shared with Action News showed flames and smoke billowing out of the windows.
According to SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch, as the train was being evacuated it was learned the first car was catching fire.
"Very quick action by our crews that helped allow this to be a safe outcome," Busch said. "We don't know where this started, just that it was in the area underneath the train and then obviously engulfed the train in flames."
Passengers tell Action News smoke was reported several minutes after leaving Philadelphia.
"I could smell a weird smoky, sulfury smell," recalled Cynthia Kayati, of Smyrna, Delaware. "I thought it was the train, normal stuff, but it was getting really strong especially as we got to Crum Lynne."
"I started to smell it too after a little while. I think we got two stations down from here and then people were really starting to notice it, starting to panic a little bit," added Alvan Hurley, of Newark.
Some passengers say due to the odor, the train stopped and passengers were advised to move to the back before they made the final stop.
Busch says SEPTA is investigating and reviewing the steps taken.
Passengers are grateful workers acted quickly to get everyone out of harm's way.
"I think they do an amazing job of making sure we're good," said Kayati.
Service was halted for several hours before it resumed just after 11 p.m.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
