Investigation Underway After DART Train Fire in Dallas

Update: 8:43 p.m. July 31, 2025: Updated with information about investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating a DART train fire in Dallas that led to six people being hospitalized Wednesday. The NTSB announced its investigation in a post on X Thursday evening. The post says that the incident involves the train’s overhead catenary system, which is used to transmit electric power to trains.

Dallas-Fire Rescue’s spokesperson Jason Evans told The Dallas Morning News Thursday that the fire was accidental. Though Evans didn’t say what exactly caused it. The fire occurred on an Orange Line train, and six people were taken to a hospital to be treated for anxiety, difficulty breathing, and minor burns.

What Happened

On Wednesday, flames and smoke were seen coming from the DART tunnel at Ross Avenue and U.S. Highway 75 about 4:15 p.m. A fire was later reported on an Orange Line train, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials said. DART spokesperson Jeamy Molina said on Wednesday, “We were able to get 40 passengers safely evacuated from the train, and we’re coordinating closely with first responders as they are investigating on the scene.”

Temporary Modifications to Rail Line Service

DART also made temporary modifications to rail line service throughout Dallas Thursday morning. The transportation system reduced service between Victory Station, EBJ Union Station, and Pearl/Arts District Station, DART officials said in a news release Thursday. Power has been restored to the Central Business District since the train fire Wednesday, officials said.

Bus and rail field support staff will be available to help travelers at several stations, including CBD, EBJ Union, Victory, Deep Ellum, Cityplace, and Mockingbird. DART said Thursday morning it was working to restore full service. Lines running on modified schedules include:

Modified Schedules

Red Line: Westmoreland to Pearl/Arts District Station – Rail service operates northbound from Westmoreland to Pearl/Arts District Station. From Pearl/Arts District, trains will reverse direction on the same track and continue southbound service.

Blue Line:

• UNT Dallas to EBJ Union Station – Rail service operates between UNT Dallas and EBJ Union only. Riders needing CBD access may transfer to the Red Line.
• Rowlett to Mockingbird Station – Rail service operates between Rowlett and Mockingbird only. The bus bridge shuttle service will connect riders from Mockingbird, Cityplace, Deep Ellum, and Pearl/Arts District stations to the CBD.

Red/Orange Line: Parker Road to Mockingbird Station – Rail service operates between Parker Road and Mockingbird Station only. There is no train service south of Mockingbird. To access downtown, a bus bridge shuttle service is available from Mockingbird, Cityplace, Deep Ellum, and Pearl/Arts District stations into the CBD.

Orange Line: DFW Airport to Victory Station – Service is available between DFW Airport and Victory Station only. Riders can transfer to the Green Line for continued travel into the CBD.

Green Line:

• Victory to Pearl/Arts District Station – Rail service operates from Victory to Pearl/Arts District Station on Track #2, then turns back southbound on the same track toward North Carrollton/Frankford Station.
• Deep Ellum to Buckner Station – Rail service operates between Deep Ellum and Buckner only. Bus bridge shuttle service is available at Mockingbird, Cityplace, Deep Ellum, and Pearl/Arts District stations.

Breaking News

Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. DART is working to restore full service as soon as possible. In the meantime, passengers are advised to check the DART website or social media for updates on service modifications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DART train fire in Dallas is a serious incident that has caused disruptions to rail service and raised concerns about safety. The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is ongoing, and DART is working to restore full service as soon as possible. Passengers are advised to check the DART website or social media for updates on service modifications.

FAQs

Q: What caused the DART train fire in Dallas?

A: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Q: How many people were hospitalized due to the fire?

A: Six people were taken to a hospital to be treated for anxiety, difficulty breathing, and minor burns.

Q: What modifications have been made to rail line service?

A: DART has reduced service between Victory Station, EBJ Union Station, and Pearl/Arts District Station. Bus and rail field support staff will be available to help travelers at several stations.

Q: How can I get updates on service modifications?

A: Passengers can check the DART website or social media for updates on service modifications.