At least 20 injured in Boston subway after electrical fire reported

At least 20 people have been injured in a Boston subway after an electrical fire late Thursday, MSNBC reported.

An electrical fire forced the removal of passengers from trains and shut down several subway lines; at least 20 people suffered from smoke inhalation. The fire started after 10 p.m. Thursday just north of the Downtown Crossing Station in a Red Line tunnel. The congested area contains several crossing tracks at an underground intersection.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority reports that the fire was contained to that tunnel but that heavy, thick smoke spread into several nearby stations and onto platforms.

Power to the Orange and Green lines was shut off as a precaution and Silver Line buses were kept above ground near South Station. Witnesses reported the heavy smell of an electrical fire. Passengers reported smoke too thick to see through, trouble finding their way out of stations and severe hacking and coughing. One passenger said he was doubled over with severe pain upon exiting the station.

Delays continued Friday with the MBTA reporting that the fire had caused signal problems in the downtown area. Crews worked through the night to clear the tracks and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

If you have been injured in a Boston subway accident, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.