Explosive start to New Year as BART train derails and bursts into flames in San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area witnessed a harrowing start to the new year when a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) commuter train derailed and caught fire, causing minor injuries to several passengers. The incident disrupted service and sent shockwaves through the community.

Dramatic Derailment and Blaze:

The train, traveling from Orinda to Lafayette around 9 a.m. on Monday, saw its front two cars veer off the track, leading to an immediate and dangerous situation. Fire crews rushed to the scene, where they successfully extinguished flames in two cars, preventing a potentially catastrophic situation.

Injuries and Evacuations:

Several passengers were taken to hospitals with minor injuries, while the total number of people injured remained unclear. In a swift evacuation operation, passengers were guided back to Orinda Station, ensuring their safety after the unsettling experience.

Chaos on the Tracks: Bay Area Rapid Transit Train Derails and Catches Fire

Eyewitness Accounts of Panic:

Enrique Gonzalez, a passenger on the ill-fated train, described hearing “loud pops” and seeing smoke and flames. His firsthand account to the San Francisco Chronicle painted a vivid picture of the chaos and fear that gripped the passengers.

Investigating the Cause:

Preliminary indications suggested that the derailment occurred at an interlocking section of rail, a critical point where trains switch tracks. The exact cause of the derailment, which happened about 8 miles northeast of Oakland, was still under investigation.

Service Disruption and Recovery Efforts:

The derailment led to a suspension of service on a 12-mile stretch of rail, significantly impacting New Year’s Day travel plans. BART officials projected that Orinda Station would remain closed for the day as crews worked tirelessly to remove the damaged cars and inspect the tracks for safety.

Impact on New Year’s Day Travelers:

While passenger numbers were lower than usual due to the holiday, the disruption was expected to affect tens of thousands of people. BART spokesperson Jim Allison acknowledged the unfortunate timing and the inconvenience caused to stranded passengers.