New River Scenic Railway depot burns; arson suspected

Fire investigators in Scott County are looking into the fire that consumed the New River Scenic Railway depot as arson.

The building was fully engulfed Monday when firefighters arrived. It is a total loss.

The railway started last year, using National Coal's rail lines to take passengers through old coal country and the Upper Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.

The railway was hoping to open up for the season in October, but they're not sure at this point if that is possible, after the fire.

Fall is the railway's busiest season in terms of passengers. Last year, the railway carried more passengers in the fall than in spring and summer combined, railway co-owner Scotty Phillips said.