BOSTON (WHDH) - The MBTA says service on the Orange Line has resumed as the agency investigates a track fire between Wellington and Malden Center stations that forced riders to evacuate.
In an alert sent around 3:30 p.m., the MBTA confirmed that the passengers of an Orange Line train were forced to evacuate the train after a fire on the track caused damage to the third rail.
Some riders told 7NEWS that first responders had to cut a hole in a nearby fence so they could escape to safety.
Video from the scene showed thick smoke billowing into the air and a fire burning on the tracks.
Dozens of firefighters could be seen examining the tracks under the train.
Service was suspended for more than three hours and was replaced by bus shuttles.
Scores of commuters could be seen packed together along sidewalks waiting for the shuttles.
“I can’t stand this, going into the Boston like this,” one disgruntled woman told 7NEWS. “This is the worst thing that could happen.”
The disruption is also causing delays on the Commuter Rail’s Haverhill line.
There were no reported injuries.
The train has been transported to Wellington Yard for repairs.
The affected train has been transported to Wellington Yard where it will undergo an inspection.
Damage to the 3rd rail was found and repairs are being made at this time. We hope to resume service soon.
— MBTA (@MBTA) August 23, 2019
Riders on the orange line train that caught fire said on social media first responders cut a hole in the fence so they could evacuate from the tracks. The train pictured here had to stop because of the disabled train in the tunnel outside the Malden station. #7News pic.twitter.com/0Zy27YNf1J
— Eric Kane (@EricKaneTV) August 23, 2019
Haverhill Line services may experience delays and service changes due to reports of smoke onboard an Orange Line train at Malden Center. Individual alerts for trains will be sent; please be subscribed to T-Alerts.
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) August 23, 2019
A fire has been confirmed in the track area. Passengers evacuated from the train to wellington. 3rd rail power was deactivated.
— MBTA (@MBTA) August 23, 2019
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been on the @MBTA when it caught on fire and had to walk the tracks in Malden and climb through a hole they cut in the fence 🙋🏻♀️#OrangeLine pic.twitter.com/tUupL88DAE
— Vandy (@_ItsMeVandy_) August 23, 2019
Trains on fire @MBTA this is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/zbvnTOauFp
— David M (@dmichel42) August 23, 2019
My orange line train was just on fire @WCVB pic.twitter.com/7hlgi3Siqo
— neen (@ninifettuccine) August 23, 2019
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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