
BART trains on the Pittsburg-Bay Point line are running on a limited service, and Orinda and Rockridge stations have re-opened, after a train stopped in the tunnel this morning between the two stations, emitting smoke caused by faulty brakes.
At 10:15 a.m. this morning BART was advising passengers to seek alternative means of transportation as there were “major delays” on the Pittsburg-Bay Point line, which includes service to SFO.
The train became disabled inside what is known as the Berkeley Hills tunnel around 8:15 a.m., BART spokeswoman Luna Salaver said, and remained there for more than an hour.
Up to 15 people were treated for smoke inhalation, according the San Jose Mercury News. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that 75 passengers complained of medical problems after being stuck aboard the train for nearly 45 minutes.
After news of the incident reached authorities, firefighters boarded a rescue train at Orinda to meet the stopped train in the tunnel, and Oakland firefighters were standing by at Rockridge, according to the Chronicle.
Once passengers had been evacuated, the disabled train went to Rockridge station where it arrived at about 9:30 a.m.
Oakland police closed part of College Avenue near Rockridge station this morning causing traffic to be diverted.
This story was updated as we gathered new information.
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