NTSB Details Cause of SEPTA Train Fire

A fire on a SEPTA Regional Rail train in Delaware County on February 6 was caused by 'sluggish' train cars, as detailed in a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The train, which was traveling from West Trenton to Newark, faced mechanical issues reported by the engineer at Bethayres Station, indicating a fault light and poor acceleration due to 'bad' railcars. Despite a maintenance team's inspection at Roberts Yard revealing issues with three railcars, the train continued its journey. A strong burning smell was noted at 30th Street Station, yet the train proceeded until fire broke out near Crum Lynne Station, leading to the safe evacuation of 325 passengers and four crew members. SEPTA estimates the damages at $10 million, and the NTSB is continuing its investigation into the fire's cause and SEPTA's response to the en route failures.