Services across the Manchester Metrolink suffered major delays on Wednesday 9th June after a fire in an underground Metrolink chamber led to a loss of power in the city centre. Services first came to a stand at approximately 0920 following the fire with a full resumption across the network possible from around 1230 albeit with delays (some lines were able to resume earlier with some being terminated short of their usual destination).
In a statement Transport for Greater Manchester confirmed there had been a small fire which was believed to have been caused by a build up of gas. This caused damage to equipment and a loss of power in the city centre. Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service requested that power to the Metrolink network was switched off while investigations were underway as a precautionary measure.
Local media reported that two KeolisAmey Metrolink staff suffered minor injuries in the incident although this has not been mentioned in the TfGM statement.
The chamber where the fire (and a loud bang which accompanied it) was on Balloon Street close to Victoria.
With trams brought to a standstill a large number of passengers were stuck on trams between stops with Manchester Metrolink confirming at the time that they were looking to move trams to stops as soon as possible.