This information is preliminary and subject to change.
Release date 27 August 2025
On August 4, 2025, about 6:18 a.m. local time, eastbound Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) Train 609 experienced an arcing incident and fire while departing Newport Station in Jersey City, New Jersey. As the train departed the station, the conductor observed flames beneath the train. The conductor immediately notified the operator to stop. Passengers were evacuated to the station platform, and emergency responders extinguished the fire. Of the almost 200 passengers on board, 15 sustained minor injuries. Four employees were also injured and were treated and released from the hospital. PATH reported the damages to be $143,495.
Train 609 consisted of seven light rail vehicles and was traveling in a tunnel at the time of the incident.[1] Train 609 originated at Journal Square in Jersey City and was destined for 33rd Street Station in New York City. Following the incident, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators found signs of electrical arcing at the location where the conductor observed the reported fire.[2]
While on scene, NTSB investigators examined the track, infrastructure and the third rail in the area where the fire occurred; reviewed video of the platform and track area near where the fire occurred; requested and received voice files of calls reporting the fire; and interviewed employees.
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing. Future investigative activity will focus on PATH’s adherence to policies, practices, and procedures related to fire suppression; the overall condition of the infrastructure throughout the system; PATH’s proposals to address inspection and maintenance of their infrastructure; and PATH’s oversight of contractor work on their property.
Parties to the investigation include:
- the Federal Railroad Administration,
- the Jersey City Fire Department,
- the New York City Fire Department,
- Port Authority Trans-Hudson,
- the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and
- the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
[1]
Light rail vehicles refer to passenger equipment employed in some form of commuter service and
not built to the heavier standards of passenger cars based on the Federal Railroad Administration and
Amtrak rules.
[2] Electrical arcing occurs when an electric current flows through the air from one conductive point
to another.
