Seven Hurt In MATA Trolley Fire
<big><big>(Memphis) Seven people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation after a MATA trolley caught fire Monday morning around 10:30.</big></big>
<big><big>Trolley #452 was near Madison and I-240 when the fire started.</big></big>
<big><big>Witnesses pointed towards one woman, calling her a hero for prying the trolley doors open so they could escape.</big></big>
<big><big>According to MATA, “The trolley operator and passengers confirmed hearing a loud pop in the trolley operator’s area of the trolley and smoke entered the trolley immediately.”</big></big>
<big><big>The rail line on Madison Avenue will be temporarily suspended, and replaced with bus service. The Main Street and Riverfront lines will remain in service.</big></big>
<big><big>MATA says the trolley, “was originally built in 1927 by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board and is one of 752 that was built between 1923- 1956.</big></big>
<big><big>MATA purchased Trolley 452 in 1997 from the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. The streetcar was refurbished in 2004 by GOMACO and the cost was $567,899. Federal funds covered 80% of the restoration.”</big></big>
