Sunday, March 5, 2017

A short in an electrical room caused the fire under the tracks at the Walnut Creek Station; hundreds of BART passengers had to be evacuated











Hundreds of BART passengers had to be evacuated from a train after a fire broke out under the tracks at the Walnut Creek Station Saturday evening. (KGO-TV)

Updated 58 mins ago
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- Hundreds of BART passengers had to be evacuated from a train after a fire broke out under the tracks at the Walnut Creek Station Saturday evening.

Flames and smoke could be seen below the track area at the station around 6 p.m., and service in the area was halted.

The problem was first reported around 5:50 p.m.

The fire was affecting service along the entire Pittsburg/Bay Point line. No injuries were immediately reported.

A passenger on the train told ABC7 that some passengers were missing flights out of SFO due to the delay. He also said that children needing to use the restroom were ushered into an empty car that was turned into a makeshift bathroom.

Passengers were being safely evacuated from the train, which did not appear to suffer any damage from the fire.

The Contra Costa Fire Department said a short in an electrical room caused the fire. Once the power was cut, no water was needed.