Transformer fire disrupts Amtrak services in the Bronx

What happened

A transformer fire in the Bronx was reported to have caused an explosion, disrupting Amtrak services and suspending trains between New York and New Haven. The fire was reported to have begun at a nearby warehouse and spread to a substation. Firefighters took three hours to bring the flames under control. No injuries were reported. Authorities were investigating the causes of both fires.

Contributing factors

The source says the fire began at a nearby warehouse and spread to a substation. The causes of both fires had not been reported.

Lessons learned

1. A fire in a neighbouring building can reach a substation, so separation and detection between adjacent sites matter.
2. Rail operators should plan for suspended services if a lineside substation is involved in a fire.
3. Until investigators report otherwise, a warehouse fire and a substation fire should be treated as possibly linked.

Source

BBC News (bbc.com)