On November 27, 2024, an electrical fire broke out at the CATS light rail substation located at 9th Street, Uptown Charlotte, around 6:50 a.m. The incident caused a disruption to Blue Line services, and a bus bridge was activated between Carson and Sugar Creek stations. The fire, classified as a “thermal event,” was caused by excessive heat. No injuries were reported, and services were fully restored by 12:30 p.m. The estimated financial loss due to the disruption is around $400K.


Planck Vision Systems: CATS Light Rail Substation Fire Disrupts Blue Line Service, $500K in Estimated Losses

NEWS

On the morning of November 27, 2024, an electrical fire broke out at a CATS light rail substation in Uptown Charlotte, specifically at Substation No. 11 near 9th Street. The incident occurred around 6:50 a.m., with the fire department responding promptly to control the flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the fire caused significant disruption to the Blue Line light rail services.

The fire was classified as a “thermal event,” which means it was caused by excessive heat. The fire department quickly arrived at the scene to handle the situation, and CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) initiated measures to mitigate the effects on commuters. A bus bridge service was set up between Carson station and Sugar Creek station to accommodate travelers while the situation was being addressed. This service helped reduce the inconvenience caused by the power outage.

The fire was extinguished without incident, and by 12:30 p.m., Blue Line services were fully restored, bringing an end to the disruption. However, this incident has caused significant operational losses for CATS, with the estimated damage amounting to around $400K. This includes the costs of restoring the substation’s equipment and potential losses in ridership during the service outage.

In such cases, having reliable and timely detection systems is essential. Planck Vision Systems’ thermal imaging cameras provide constant monitoring, which can identify rising temperatures before they become a threat, helping prevent fires like the one at the CATS substation. These cameras are capable of detecting early signs of overheating or electrical issues, offering substantial protection against unexpected failures in critical infrastructure.

Using Planck Vision Systems’ technology, transit authorities can equip substations and other sensitive infrastructure with real-time monitoring to catch anomalies early. These systems not only safeguard against potential financial losses but also contribute to public safety, ensuring uninterrupted service and protecting key assets.


sourceqcnews.com

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