HARPERS FERRY, WV News (6/25/2024) – In the wake of a significant fire on the Harpers Ferry rail bridge, train services including Amtrak’s Capitol Limited and Maryland’s MARC commuter trains have experienced severe disruptions. The fire, which caused substantial damage to the bridge, has resulted in the cancellation of key train services and has left commuters seeking alternative transportation options.
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The fire was first reported on June 24, 2024, at 3:38 PM, when the Washington County Division of Emergency Services received a call regarding a blaze on the CSX railroad bridge over the Potomac River in Sandy Hook, Maryland. Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 3:47 PM to find a large and rapidly spreading fire on the bridge. Immediate additional support was requested from Washington County units and personnel, as well as from Jefferson County. Given the elevated nature of the bridge over the Potomac River, two boats were also dispatched as a precautionary measure.
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The high temperatures and extensive damage caused by the fire necessitated further reinforcements, with additional units and water tankers called in from Washington, Jefferson, and Frederick counties due to limited water supply access. Washington County’s Office of Emergency Management played a crucial role in coordinating notifications and securing additional resources. The response included the Washington County Air Unit/Rehab, a mobile ambulance bus, two ALS transport units, and safety officers.
The fire was brought under control by 5:30 PM, at which point crews began working on extinguishing remaining hot spots. The arrival of CSX officials was awaited to assess the full extent of the damage and to determine the necessary repairs to the bridge infrastructure.
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As a result of the fire, significant service disruptions have occurred. The Amtrak Capitol Limited trains 29 and 30, which operate between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois, have been canceled. This cancellation affects a critical route for many long-distance travelers, leaving them to seek alternative transportation arrangements.
Furthermore, the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) service has been impacted, particularly the Brunswick Line. Due to the bridge fire, there will be no Brunswick Line service from West Virginia stations today, June 25, 2024. The MARC commuter trains that were stored at the yard in Brunswick last night will depart as scheduled from Brunswick but will not service the West Virginia stations. No alternate transportation has been provided, affecting daily commuters relying on this route.
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The Washington County Division of Emergency Services has expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of all the units involved in the firefighting efforts. Their coordinated response was essential in managing the incident and mitigating further damage.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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