Amtrak passengers were evacuated on Monday after a power failure trapped them for over an hour in a Baltimore tunnel without lighting or AC during extreme heat conditions. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak passengers were evacuated on Monday after a power failure trapped them for over an hour in a Baltimore tunnel without lighting or AC during extreme heat conditions
Source, photo: abcnews.go.com

The incident involved a Northeast Regional train heading to Boston. Passengers reported early signs of malfunction, with no air conditioning in multiple cars before the train even departed.

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Shortly after entering the tunnel, the train lost all power. With no airflow or lights, travelers began fanning themselves as temperatures inside soared due to the ongoing heat wave.

Amtrak Confirms Malfunction and Passenger Transfer

Amtrak confirmed the breakdown and announced that Train 94 had experienced a locomotive failure. Staff arranged for passengers to be evacuated and taken to Baltimore Station.

Once at the station, passengers received train service to their final destinations. Amtrak provided bottled water and snack packs to help alleviate discomfort during the delay.

“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience,” the company said in a statement following the disruption. The situation was resolved by 5:02 p.m. ET, with all travelers evacuated safely.

Amtrak Breakdown Highlights Heat-Related Risks

The East Coast continues to experience a dangerous heat wave, with temperatures reaching a heat index of 107°F in cities like Philadelphia. Many regions reported indices near or above 100°F.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related threat in the U.S., prompting warnings for vulnerable travelers and commuters.

The Amtrak incident has renewed scrutiny of rail reliability during severe weather. With climate conditions worsening, the company faces rising pressure to improve infrastructure and emergency protocols.

Source, photo: abcnews.go.com

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