SEPTA Train Carrying About 350 People Goes up in Flames 

A frightening incident unfolded on February 6, 2025, when a SEPTA train traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington suddenly caught fire near the Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park. The six-car train, carrying approximately 350 passengers, was engulfed in flames as it made its way through Delaware County, causing chaos and concern among those onboard.

Around 6 p.m., as smoke and flames billowed from the windows, passengers were quickly evacuated. A photo shared with Action News showed the terrifying scene, with intense flames streaming out of the train’s windows. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch confirmed that the first car was the source of the fire.

“We don’t know exactly where the fire originated, but it was under the train before spreading quickly,” Busch explained. “Thanks to the quick actions of our crew, everyone was evacuated safely.”

As the fire began to spread, passengers reported a strange, sulfur-like smell just minutes after the train departed Philadelphia. “I thought it was just the normal train smell, but it started to get stronger, especially near Crum Lynne,” recalled Cynthia Kayati, a passenger from Smyrna, Delaware.

Others, like Alvan Hurley of Newark, noticed the odor too, with passengers beginning to panic as the smell intensified. “We were just two stations down when people started to realize something was wrong,” Hurley said.

In response, SEPTA instructed passengers to move to the back of the train, which was eventually halted before reaching its final destination. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the passengers were safely evacuated.

“I think they do an amazing job of making sure we’re good,” said Kayati, praising the crew’s swift response.

SEPTA has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the fire’s cause. Service on the line was suspended for several hours but resumed shortly after 11 p.m.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.