Glasgow commuter train catches fire in rush hour

PASSENGERS had to be evacuated from a busy commuter train in Glasgow this morning after its engine caught fire.

Trains into Glasgow Central were affected by the fire. Picture: Robert Perry

The incident occurred just outside Crossmyloof station in the city’s South Side at around 8.15am.

Five fire appliances were called to the scene from Polmadie, Calton, Pollok and Easterhouse along with the Forward Control Unit from Bellshill.

Station Manager Stephen Carson, the incident commander, said: “We received a call from Network Rail after a small fire broke out in the engine compartment on the underside of a diesel-electric train.

“The train’s fire fighting system activated to alert the driver and its automated foam extinguishing equipment quickly put out the fire.

“Firefighters ensured the affected engine was isolated and that passengers were safely evacuated from the train to the nearby station.”

Services along the line between Glasgow Central and East Kilbride were stopped while the incident was dealt with, causing delays of up to two hours in some cases.