Smoky fire in Boston’s underground train stations forces evacuations

Smoky fire forces Boston subway evacuations

BOSTON — A smoky fire in a subway tunnel in downtown Boston has forced the evacuation of underground trains. Authorities say 20 people suffered minor smoke inhalation.

The fire started Thursday night just north of the Downtown Crossing station in a Red Line tunnel in a congested area where several train lines intersect underground.

Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority spokesman Joe Pesaturo says smoke spread to several stations and power was cut off to the Orange and Green lines as a precaution. Silver Line buses were kept above ground.

Witnesses say there was a heavy smell of an electrical fire.

The fire was put out quickly, though the heavy smoke lingered. Repair crews were standing by.