News

Actions

Employee injured after train at Busch Gardens catches fire

Posted at 4:48 PM, Aug 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-17 18:29:27-04

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The James City County Fire Department is responding to a fire on the train at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Thursday afternoon.

Crews from James City and York Counties and the City of Williamsburg are also at the scene.

Busch Gardens said the train was behind the scenes in the New France area of the park and was not in service when the fire broke out. No guests or animals were involved, and the surrounding areas have been evacuated.

One park employee sustained minor injuries and was taken for medical treatment as a precaution.

The park said the fire has been contained.

A family on vacation from Delaware said parts of the park were closed as well as some of the bigger rides.

On Friday, a spokesperson with James City County said the fire originated in the tender car, where the propane system that supplies fuel to the boiler in the locomotive is located.

The fire was ruled accidental and caused when propane from a leak in the supply system was ignited. The tender and cab of the train were damaged in the fire.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the leak; they say possible sources of ignition in the area of origin are the pilot light for the boiler burner or a battery charging system that is supplied with electricity from a shore power connection.

A spokesperson for the park said the train attraction will be closed until further notice.

Stay with News 3 for updates.