Train services restored after freight train catches fire in Stamford

Train service has been restored after a freight train in Stamford caught fire late Tuesday night.

Fire officials said they were called to East Main Street for a reported train fire.

Authorities told NBC Connecticut that a freight train operated by Providence and Worcester Railroad Company caught fire east of the Stamford train station just before 11 p.m.

Firefighters found a diesel engine with heavy flames, just south and west of the bridge. The train operator reported a large explosion, which prompted an immediate halt of the train.

Fire crews turned off power to the overhead catenary lines. All train service on the New Haven line, north of Stamford, was suspended. It was restored just after 1 a.m.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the fire damaged overhead wires near Stamford and New Haven Line customers and connecting branches could experience five- to 10-minute delays.

The Stamford Fire Hazardous Materials Team was also called to the scene to help with any leaks and to contain the runoff because of the diesel and oils involved. The state Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection and Metro North Fire and Hazmat teams were also called.

According to fire officials, the incident involved a freight train with four diesel engines and numerous freight cars.

MTA police said the train operator was likely the only person on board. The investigation remains ongoing.

No injuries were reported to any train personnel, firefighters or MTA personnel.