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Metro Probes Cause Of Train Fire

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) -- Metro says a train fire at the Silver Spring station may have been started by a loose part striking a power cable.

The transit agency said Wednesday that the root cause of Tuesday's fire that caused hours of delays for passengers is still under investigation.

Tri-State Oversight Committee Chairman Jim Benton says damage to a "collector shoe," which conducts power between the electrified third rail and the train, may have allowed the power cable to touch a metal-shielded hose.

Metro says the rail car was part of the 1000 series, one of the oldest types of railcar Metro operates, and hoses and cables all 1000 series cars will be inspected by the end of the week. Metro is set to begin phasing out these cars next year.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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