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Engine fire on MBTA commuter rail train forces evacuation at Hanson station

HANSON, Mass. — An MBTA commuter rail train on the Kingston/Plymouth line was evacuated during Thursday morning's commute after an apparent engine fire caused the train to stop at the Hanson station.

Video taken by a passenger on the train shows smoke pouring from the engine on the inbound Kingston train #034.

Fire and police officials at the station confirmed to Boston 25 News that a fire in the engine was the cause of the smoke.

Keolis said in a statement shortly after the incident that a "mechanical issue in the turbocharger engine of the locomotive, which can cause smoke," was the cause. Fire and police officials at the scene confirmed to Boston 25 News that a fire in the engine was the cause of the smoke.

Passengers could be seen gathered in the parking lot of the Hanson station along with firetrucks and police. Keolis said the fire department was on scene as a precautionary measure.

The MBTA tweeted earlier that the train was stopped due to a "mechanical issue," but passengers on the train said they could see smoke coming from the engine.

A tweet from Hanson Police says the fire at the Hanson T stop is "on an engine" and has been extinguished, with no injuries.

Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack called the issues "unacceptable":

"The unacceptable issues the Commuter Rail network experienced this week will be thoroughly investigated and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will seek accountability if necessary.

Riders deserve improved reliability, and the MBTA will continue to make short- and long-term improvements to core infrastructure, vehicles, and in the communication of timely and important information to customers."

This is the second major Commuter Rail incident this week. On Tuesday, about 800 passengers were left stranded for hours after an "

upright derailment

."

Keolis says alternate service for passengers is underway.

A passenger tweeted that a "rescue" train had arrived around 8:17 and was now taking passengers to Boston.

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Keolis: Wheel separation caused Commuter Rail derailment

Commuter Rail trains delayed due to 'slippery rail'

How the Commuter Rail plans to fight Autumn delays

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