Train fire ties up Bartholomew County traffic

A fire on a Louisville & Indiana train engine tied up traffic south of Columbus yesterday afternoon.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, firefighters were called to Speer Street and Jonesville Road about a fire onboard the stopped train. Although no fire was initially visible, the train crew said that smoke and flames were seen inside an engine car while the train was moving. A further investigation found a small fire inside, which was put out with a fire extinguisher.

Railroad representatives said that the train was about 7,000 feet long, or about a mile and a third, which blocked traffic at several intersections including County Road 200S.

The train began moving again and left the area shortly after 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Fire Department.