Freight train catches fire after report of explosion on Metro-North New Haven line

A freight train fire in Stamford on Tuesday night briefly shut down the Metro-North New Haven line.

Firefighters responded to the East Main Street rail overpasses just before 11 p.m. after receiving multiple reports of a possible train crash and subsequent fire, according to the Stamford Fire Department.

The incident involved a freight train with four diesel engines and numerous freight cars, fire officials said.

Fire officials said the first crews on the scene found a diesel engine engulfed in heavy flames just southwest of the bridge with freight cars on the bridge.

The train operator told crews there was a large explosion on the train, so the train was stopped, according to fire officials.

No injuries were reported.

According to the fire department, Stamford police closed East Main Street and Myrtle Avenue to traffic while crews battled the blaze. The fire response included three engines, one truck company, a rescue company, an incident commander and a rapid intervention team.  An additional engine was later called in to help bolster the water supply capabilities.

The Stamford Fire Hazardous Materials Team responded to contain runoff from any leaks involving the diesel and oils. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Metro North Fire and Hazmat teams also responded.

Fire crews were delayed briefly while it was ensured all rail traffic was halted and power to the overhead catenary lines was deactivated, fire officials said.

Once the fire was put out, the fire department’s mechanical division deployed a light truck to help illuminate the area as the MTA began its investigation.

Train traffic was allowed to continue after a brief interruption, fire officials said.