Train burns in Boston, passengers escape from windows
An Orange Line train operating in the Boston area caught fire on the Mystic River Bridge, causing panic among passengers who broke windows to get out.
The carriage caught fire and broke down just before 7am as it approached Somerville station.
Videos published on social networks show passengers escaping from windows or getting off the train. Witnesses say that some even jumped from the bridge.
MBTA Executive Director Steve Poftak apologized to passengers for the incident, saying it was a frightening event. At the press conference, he said that the accident was caused by a piece of metal, which broke off and came into contact with another rail through which current was passing.
None of the approximately 200 passengers on the 42-year-old train were injured during the evacuation.
The damaged train was taken to a depot in Wellington for further inspection. Federal transportation services were also notified and an investigation was launched.
