SEPTA Paoli-Thorndale Line Reopens After Overnight Train Fire Injures 2

A fire broke out on a SEPTA Regional Rail train at Paoli Station late Tuesday night, primarily affecting the last two cars of a westbound Paoli/Thorndale Line train. No passengers were on board at the time, but the conductor was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and a firefighter sustained minor injuries. Over 70 firefighters responded to the scene, containing the blaze after about two hours, with the damaged cars towed to a SEPTA railyard for investigation. The fire caused a loud explosion, but the tracks and overhead wires remained undamaged, allowing service to resume by early Wednesday morning. Authorities, including the Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office and the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. SEPTA confirmed that all occupants were accounted for and that operations have returned to normal after safety inspections.