A cable caught fire twice, causing hours of TTC delays Monday morning

A single electrical cable, a bit of melting snow, and a small pile of debris are to blame for hours of TTC delays on Line 1 Monday morning. 

Fire investigations led to three delays over the course of the morning, beginning at about 8:20 a.m. when an electrical cable between Union and St. Andrew stations began smouldering after coming into contact with melting snow. 

For 45 minutes, service was suspended between Osgoode and Bloor-Yonge stations while the fire was put out and repairs were performed. 

Another fire broke out at St. George station just after 9:30 a.m. when a pocket of debris caught fire on the northbound tracks, causing a service suspension from Union to Spadina stations for 30 minutes.

Shortly after, the same electrical cable that caused problems near Union station caught fire again, this time leading to a 70-minute delay while crews wrapped the cable, reinforced the insulation, and placed the cable on blocks to keep it above melting snow puddles. 

The TTC released a statement on Monday afternoon apologizing for the issues and promising that permanent repairs to the troublesome cable will take place after service ends on Monday night. 

"We are working hard to ensure a better commute home this afternoon," the statement reads.