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Track Fire Halts Loop CTA 'L' Trains

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Loop 'L' trains were halted for some time Wednesday afternoon due to a fire on the tracks, potentially affecting thousands of commuters.

The Fire Department reported that the fire broke out on the tracks near Adams Street and Wabash Avenue. A photo from the window of a train showed orange flames raging at one spot along the tracks.

CTA Track Fire
A fire broke out on the Loop 'L' tracks on Wednesday, Aug. 28. 2019. (Credit: Christopher Futrell)

The Chicago Transit Authority said Pink, Orange, Brown, Green, and Purple Line Express lines were standing as of 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, with some trains stuck near Roosevelt Road. Photos also showed a Green Line train standing on the tracks at Wabash Avenue and Jackson Boulevard.

CTA Loop 'L' Fire Delay
CTA 'L' trains in the Loop were delayed on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019 due to a fire on the tracks. (Credit: Raul Moreno)
CTA Loop 'L' Fire Delay
CTA 'L' trains in the Loop were delayed on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019 due to a fire on the tracks. (Credit: Raul Moreno)

CHECK: CTA Updates

The Fire Department told CBS 2 it did not know what caused the fire on tracks, and it could have been anything like paper or garbage.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 3:42 p.m. and had the fire out 14 minutes later.

By just before 4 p.m., trains were again moving, but with delays. The CTA advised commuters to allow for extra travel time.

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