Philadelphia

Hundreds of Passengers Escape Smoking SEPTA Train

About 300 passengers on a commuter train heading to Philadelphia had to evacuate after an electrical problem caused lots of smoke during the morning rush.

The Reporter news site reported the SEPTA Regional Rail train started smoking around 7:30 a.m. Thursday as it was stopped at the North Wales station, about 25 miles northwest of the city.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel, who was on board the train, said it was likely a traction motor issue.

SEPTA operators disconnected power and North Penn firefighters used extinguishers to cool the smoking wires.

Passengers boarded a second train dispatched for them to continue their trip.

There were no injuries.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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