When news broke out in Boston early Thursday morning, chaos ensued as a fire erupted on the train tracks at an MBTA station. The incident led to the temporary suspension of train service and the implementation of shuttle buses along a section of the line. The complexity of the situation was evident, as the operator of a northbound train at Charles/MGH Station reported smoke underneath the first car just before 6 a.m.
The Boston Fire Department swiftly responded to the alarming situation. Deputy Chief James Greene provided an account of the incident, describing how they received a distress call regarding a fire on the outbound tracks of the Red Line. As the fire companies arrived at the scene, they were met with a challenging sight—a small fire on the tracks, accompanied by people hurriedly evacuating from a fully occupied train. The cause of the fire, it turned out, was a piece of mechanical equipment under the train that had caught ablaze.
Passengers were evacuated from the train upon its arrival at the station, ensuring their safety while the Boston Fire Department commenced their investigation. To prevent any potential risks, the power to the third rail was promptly shut off. However, the situation took an unexpected turn as the station’s firefighting infrastructure faced a setback. The station was equipped with empty pipes intended to facilitate the fire department’s efforts by allowing them to connect and supply water from an engine at ground level. Unfortunately, one of the pipes unexpectedly disconnected, resulting in water flooding the first floor of the station.
Undeterred by the challenge, Deputy Chief Greene and his team quickly adapted and resorted to a manual operation to extinguish the fire. They brought a hose from the base of the Longfellow Bridge and also manually carried water cans up to the affected area. With their resourcefulness and perseverance, they successfully extinguished the fire, implementing a plan B that ensured the safety of everyone involved.
While the MBTA troubleshoots the issue with the train, shuttle buses have been deployed as an alternative means of transportation between Harvard and Broadway stations. Passengers must adapt to this temporary change as the authorities work diligently to rectify the problem and restore normalcy to the Red Line service.
In the face of this disruptive incident, the people of Boston have demonstrated resilience and cooperation. The complexities and challenges posed by the fire have necessitated a comprehensive response, showcasing the importance of burstiness in conveying the intricacies of the situation. As we navigate through such unforeseen events, it is crucial to remain vigilant and adaptable, ensuring the safety and well-being of all commuters.
