The six-car train was carrying roughly 350 people from Philadelphia to Wilmington when it caught fire
IMAGE: A SEPTA train en route to Wilmington, Del., went up in flames in Delaware County on Feb. 6, 2025.A SEPTA train carrying about 350 passengers caught fire Thursday night in Delaware County, prompting an emergency evacuation. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. near Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park. The six-car train was en route from Philadelphia to Wilmington when smoke began pouring from the windows, as seen in images shared with Action News.
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SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said the fire was first noticed as passengers were being evacuated. "Quick action by our crews ensured a safe outcome," Busch said. "We don’t yet know where the fire started, only that it began underneath the train before engulfing the first car."
Passengers reported smelling smoke minutes after departing Philadelphia.
"I noticed a weird, smoky, sulfur-like smell," said Cynthia Kayati of Smyrna, Delaware. "At first, I thought it was normal, but it kept getting stronger as we reached Crum Lynne."
Alvan Hurley of Newark recalled, "At first, it was faint, but after a couple of stations, people really started to notice it and panic." Some passengers said the train stopped due to the strong odor, and they were advised to move to the back before reaching the final stop.
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SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said the agency is investigating the incident and reviewing the response. Passengers expressed gratitude for the quick actions of train staff. "I think they do an amazing job of making sure we're good," said Cynthia Kayati.
Service was suspended for several hours before resuming just after 11 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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