Market-Frankford El Re-Opens After 4-Alarm Fire

Just in time for the afternoon rush, the Market-Frankford El re-opens. It was shut after this morning's huge factory fire in Northern Liberties

The Market-Frankford El line is back up in time for the afternoon rush.

It was shut for hours today between Huntingdon and Spring Garden after a 4-alarm fire in Northern Liberties. The building on fire was right next to a section of track.

The fire started in the three-story structure on Front Street and West Girard Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Crews were able to get it under control just before 4:30 a.m.

One firefighter was hospitalized with a hurt back after he fell from a truck while pulling a hose.

"He's in some pain, but we're just thankful that he's in serious condition, but it looks like we're going to have a recovery. A long recovery, but a recovery," Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers tells NBC10's Tim Furlong.

The Route 15 trolley is back on line as well. Shuttle busses were used to ferry commuters during the morning rush. The El had to be pass inspection before it could be put back into service between Huntingdon and Spring Garden.

"It's concrete and steel -- heavy steel -- so they'll need an inspection to make make sure everything is safe before they can put it back into service, said Ayers. This is normal what they do, it's about the safety of the public first."


Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBC10.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)

Contact Us