Orange Line Delay, Smoke in Tunnel: Update

BOSTON, MA — Orange Line service is resuming after reports of smoke near Downtown Crossing led to delays and a temporary service shutdown on parts of the line Wednesday afternoon (see update at bottom of this story).

Around 3 p.m., the MBTA issued a warning for "severe delays" due to Boston Fire Department activity.

A power shutdown was requested for the Orange Line from the Tufts Medical Center station to Downtown Crossing in both directions, according to scanner reports. Those reports also mention "smoldering ropes" or other debris that have been extinguished by MBTA personnel.

There are no injuries reported at this time.

Around 3:15 p.m., the MBTA asked that riders trying to get downtown use the Green Line instead.

As of about 3:20 p.m., Boston Fire says it is on its way out, and the order to restore power to the MBTA lines between DTX and Tufts has been given. Service should resume shortly, although residual delays will no doubt persist.