PATCO Train Strikes Utility Pole, Causes Commuter Havoc During Monday Morning Rush

A commuter train heading from New Jersey to Philadelphia hit part of a downed utility pole during the morning rush, halting service and leaving thousands of commuters scrambling to get to work.

The Port Authority Transit Corporation train carrying 24 passengers hit the pole around 5:45 a.m. Monday in Camden, and service was completely shut down for more than three hours.

UPDATE: Due to a downed electrical pole, PATCO service is suspended across the entire line. At this time, it is not known when service will resume. We are advising at this time to seek alternate transportation if possible. Efforts are underway to restore service.

— PATCO (@RidePATCO) January 29, 2018

Four minor injuries were reported.

Transit officials say the utility pole appeared to have been hit first by a freight train on an upper track, leaving a section hanging over a wall and in the path of the PATCO train.

The 14-mile line serves about 38,000 riders daily. The shutdown created major traffic jams to and from the Ben Franklin Bridge between Camden and Philadelphia.

Some westbound trains began leaving from Broadway around 8 a.m. And by 8:45 a.m., PATCO had service in both directions going again between Camden and Center City Philadelphia.

SERVICE REMINDER: We are running very limited WB and EB service at this time. A train will be running EB and WB from Broadway to 16th. At this time, there is no service both EB and WB from Lindenwold to Ferry.

— PATCO (@RidePATCO) January 29, 2018

All service between Ferry and Lindenwold remained suspended indefinitely.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, it is not known when full service will resume. Every effort is being made to help restore full service ASAP. We will provide updates as they become available.

— PATCO (@RidePATCO) January 29, 2018

The cause of the accident remained under investigation.