SOMERVILLE, Mass. — An overcrowded Orange Line train carrying passengers on a bridge that spans the Mystic River caught fire Thursday morning, sending hundreds of people scrambling for safety. Video shared with Boston 25 News shows flames shooting from a train car and thick smoke billowing into the air. An MBTA spokesman said the train was approaching Assembly Station when it caught fire around 6:45 a.m. The video shows an Orange Line train burning on the bridge that crosses over the Mystic River. (Courtesy of John Gosselin) About 200 people evacuated the train, including a woman who jumped into the river and others who climbed through broken windows. The video shows MBTA passengers climbing out of the window of the burning train. (Courtesy Glen Grondin) (Courtesy Glen Grondin) The woman who jumped from the train bridge swam to shore and refused medical attention, according to the MBTA. No other injuries were reported. A woman is seen swimming in the Mystic River after jumping off the bridge to escape the Orange Line fire. Buses replaced service between Oak Grove and Community College for about four hours, the MBTA said. Haverhill Line Commuter Rail trains made extra stops at Oak Grove to accommodate overflow passengers. Shortly after 10:30 a.m., the MBTA announced that regular service on the Orange Line had resumed. In a statement, the MBTA said, “Smoke was observed in the lead car of a southbound train approaching Assembly Station. Power was out between Wellington and Assembly and the Somerville Fire Department responded.” John Gosselin, who is staying at the nearby Encore Boston Harbor, happened to be looking out his hotel window as the chaotic scene unfolded. “The train stopped and sparks started coming from the front, probably about three feet behind the driver,” Gosselin said. “I saw a flame and then I knew something was going on… It rolled really, really fast. The flames were burning. The smoke became very black.” Video shared by Vladi Ramos, who was on the disabled train, shows passengers running along the tracks to escape the fire. Passengers scramble for safety after Orange Line train goes up in flames Another passenger, Gerardo Saenz, said people “are definitely freaking out.” He added that other riders were helping people stay calm. The Federal Transit Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified of the incident. The MBTA Track and Power departments inspect the infrastructure. In June, all new Red and Orange Line trains were withdrawn from service after an out-of-service car suffered a battery failure at Wellington Yard. The FTA said in a recent report that investigators found the MBTA was understaffed to the point where trains were unsafe for riders. MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said last week that the agency has taken steps to alleviate staffing shortages and ensure better track conditions. Thursday’s fire remains under investigation. Orange Line Update: Shuttle buses are being phased out and regular services have resumed with delays. — MBTA (@MBTA) July 21, 2022 Orange Line: Shuttle buses replacing service between Oak Grove and Community College due to handicap train near Assembly. Expect delays as buses are dispatched. — MBTA (@MBTA) July 21, 2022 Orange Line: Delays of up to 15 minutes due to train with mechanical problem near Assembly. Trains may be required to remain stationary at stations. — MBTA (@MBTA) July 21, 2022 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download it FREE Boston 25 News app for emergency notifications. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW ©2022 Cox Media Group
