NTSB investigates February SEPTA train fire

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — A preliminary report in the investigation was released on Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board on the SEPTA train fire on February 6. The report states that the engineers on the Wilmington/Newark line reported problems with the railcars hours before the train caught fire that evening at 5:56 p.m.

The NTSB said at 3:50 p.m., a train engineer reported the train felt “sluggish,” and that it lagged to get up to speed. That Septa employee activated a fault light.

At 4:30 p.m., a maintenance team inspected the train and reported three railcars were “bad,” yet the train was still allowed to operate.

At 4:55 p.m. the Wilmington/Newark line that left from West Trenton and headed to Newark, Del. performed a crew change. Another engineer reported a burning smell in the lead car. 

At 5:48 p.m., engineers noticed a haze in the lead car at Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park. After departing from the station, eight minutes later the lead railcar caught fire.

More than 300 passengers and 4 crew members were safely evacuated off the train while flames engulfed the six-car train. No injuries were reported.

NTSB, SEPTA and local agencies continue to investigate the cause of the fire. Agents with NTSB are also investigating SEPTA’s Operation Control System’s response to en route train failures.