Steam locomotive causes trackside fire
Local rail services between Helsinki and Riihimäki were delayed for a time on Thursday after sparks from a veteran steam locomotive caused a trackside fire. Trains were forced to reduce speed while the flames were extinguished.
Finnish State Railways (VR) says sparks apparently reached the trackside when vibration caused a protective cover on the loco’s firebox to detach.
The old locomotive continues its journey eastwards from Riihimäki to Kouvola on Friday. Its visit is part of celebrations to commemorate 150 years of rail travel in Finland.
Steam-driven locomotives all but disappeared from Finnish railways during the early seventies. However, enthusiasts and a private excursion firm have managed to keep steam traction alive courtesy of special events during the summer months.
