Errant Stroller To Blame For Subway Fire In North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A subway fire breaks out in North Philadelphia causing quite a commotion.
Many passengers onboard the Septa subway made a quick exit and scrambled to get above ground – fearing the worst.
"Smoke means fire. Fire means you're going to die," said passenger David Jackson.
Jackson says he saw his life flash before his eyes.
"Some people were jumping over the little chain gate and people were trying to get out the side doors," Jackson added.
Jackson was among the dozens of riders on a Septa train traveling north on the Broad Street line when just before 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, the train came to a sudden stop at the Girard station.
Brittnye Webb-Earl said, "It's my worst fear being trapped somewhere where there's fire and I can't get out. It's terrifying."
Terrified and confused, they ran for safety as quickly as they could. All they smelled was smoke and knew nothing more.
The fire may have been caused by a baby stroller left on the train tracks. Sources say the train engineer spotted the stroller approaching the station, tried to stop but ended up dragging the stroller. That's when eyewitnesses say sparks flew causing a minor fire.
Watch the video...
According to passengers, only the first car of the train made it to the platform, leaving the passengers on the back of the train to walk up in order to safely exit the train.
As for the investigation, authorities say they will now review surveillance video to see if they can figure out who left the stroller behind and why.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
