Historic Catskill Mountain Railroad Train Engine Set Ablaze Overnight

KINGSTON, NY — A historic train engine that served only to bring joy to visitors, was set afire in the early morning hours on New Year's Day.

At around 3 a.m., early New Year's Day, the Kingston Fire Department responded to reports of a locomotive fire in the area of the Kingston Plaza. Firefighters arrived quickly and worked for approximately two hours to bring the blaze under control.

Fire officials said no injuries occurred as a result of the fire near a busy overpass.

The Catskill Mountain Railroad Co. said that the fire appears to have been intentionally started. The company operates Polar Express holiday tours, and sightseeing tours.

"Not a good way to start the New Year. CMRR's Locomotive #400 was set on fire early this morning," the railroad said in a statement posted on social media. "With fresh snow overnight it looks like someone walked down from Highway 587 to do it."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Kingston Fire Department Fire Investigation Division.

"We thank our firefighters for their swift and professional response and appreciate the cooperation of the public during the incident," the department said in a statement on Thursday.