Five injured in Patco rail fire

Patco train service was suspended overnight after a fire aboard a train injured five people near City Hall station in Camden, N.J.

The train’s operator and four passengers suffered smoke inhalation in the fire, which broke out around 2:15 a.m. as the eastbound train carrying 33 passengers was pulling into the underground station.

The injured were taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, but officials say none were expected to be admitted.

Witnesses say passengers frantically fled the train after fire and smoke began pouring from its undercarriage. And while it’s believed a mechanical problem caused the blaze, authorities say the fire remains under investigation.

The fire caused extensive damage to the track near the station and briefly halted PATCO service between Philadelphia and New Jersey.

Train service resumed early this morning.