Rescue Efforts in SEPTA Downed Wire Incident in Norristown Detailed

Authorities are still dealing with the SEPTA Regional Rail line that was disabled when it knocked down a live wire at the crossing at Ford and Washington Streets in Norristown at approximately 10:35 a.m. Tuesday morning. SEPTA officials confirm the wire in question was a telephone line.

The train was disabled in the incident and passengers were stuck on the train for close to an hour while responders dealt with an electrical fire along Washington Street caused by the down line, according to Norristown Fire Chief Thomas O'Donnell. A driver waiting at the crossing at the time the line came down was trapped in his car by the incident, and several firefighters training in the area at the time were blocked in by the live wire as well.

Firefighters, police, SEPTA officials along with PECO and Verizon crews are still working on the scene.

A SEPTA spokeswoman told Patch the buses are shuttling riders between the Conshohocken station and the three Norristown stops on the line – the Norristown Transportation Center, Main Street and Elm Street. No word yet on when full service will be restored.