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Book Bag Fire Disrupts Philadelphia Subway Service

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA is running shuttle buses between the Walnut, Locust and Erie stations on the Broad Street Subway line this afternoon because of an underground fire discovered at the Girard Avenue station.

Passersby reported seeing heavy smoke rising from grates on the sidewalks above the subway line at the Girard station shortly before 2 p.m.

Firefighters responded and brought the situation under control within 15 minutes.

The Philadelphia fire marshal is investigating the cause.

Investigators say a book bag set on fire in a trash can was apparently responsible for the smoky condition.

SEPTA is awaiting the all-clear from the fire marshal before turning the power back on and restoring service.

There were no reports of injuries.

Reported by Mark Abrams, KYW Newsradio

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