ESSEX, Md. — A Baltimore-bound Amtrak train was forced to an emergency stop in Essex on Thursday evening after a fire broke out on board, triggering a large-scale evacuation and significant transportation delays throughout the region.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the vicinity of Canberra Drive and Waterview Way shortly after 6:00 p.m. following reports of smoke and flames emanating from the train, which was en route to Penn Station. Sky 11 news footage from the scene captured firefighters dousing the exterior of the railcar while passengers were guided off the train and onto the tracks, congregating in the open area nearby.
At least 25 passengers were evacuated from the train during the incident. Officials have confirmed that two people sustained minor injuries. Among those injured was a train conductor, who reportedly declined further medical evaluation at the scene. It is not yet clear if the injuries were directly caused by the fire or occurred during the evacuation process.
The incident caused a chaotic ripple effect for commuters across Maryland. By 7:15 p.m., Amtrak officials had placed an indefinite hold on all tracks in the area, advising passengers that both Acela and regional services would face extensive delays. The company warned travelers on its website that trains moving between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., would be significantly hampered as crews worked to clear the tracks and investigate the cause of the fire.
“As of 6:36 p.m. ET, your Acela may experience a delay as local municipal officials have placed a hold on the tracks,” Amtrak stated in an advisory. “We are working to establish an estimated delay time.”
The disruption extended to the MARC Penn Line as well. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) reported that service north of Penn Station was suspended around 6:00 p.m. While crews were able to resume operations by 7:20 p.m., the residual impact was severe. MARC commuters faced significant cascading delays, with some trains reporting setbacks of up to 85 minutes.
As of Thursday night, investigators were still working to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The immediate area near Canberra Drive remained a focus of activity as crews worked to secure the train and ensure the safety of the tracks before regular service could fully resume.
Amtrak has urged passengers to check their website or mobile app for the most current information regarding specific train statuses and potential cancellations. Authorities have not yet indicated if mechanical failure or external factors were to blame for the fire.
This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from transit officials and emergency responders on the scene.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
