July 31 - Reports from Boston are that one Green Line train rear ended another today. There were no fatalities and about 25 injured - no life-threatening ones. The cause is unknown as of 5 PM Eastern DST
BEAUSABRE July 31 - Reports from Boston are that one Green Line train rear ended another today. There were no fatalities and about 25 injured - no life-threatening ones. The cause is unknown as of 5 PM Eastern DST
I'm going to guess that the cause was the following operator not slowing down when an obstruction was stopped on the tracks.
I concede that I may be jumping to conclusions here, without having all the facts. But in my experience, it's almost guaranteed that, if you slow down, or even stop, that there will be no crash.
Others, of course, might have a different view.
Ed
I can sense intense interest in this topic, and so I will mention some information that I've found.
The event took place on the median strip provided for rail traffic on Commonwealth Avenue. It appears to have happened between Crowninshield Road and Pleasant Street--certainly nearby.
The two cars involved were traveling westbound. They were near the end of a mile long straight piece of track.
NTSB said on August 2:
"Preliminary review of the event recorder data indicated that the train that was hit was traveling at approximately 10 mph. The striking train overtook the other train at approximately 30 mph."
Reading the above strictly, it would appear the following train was traveling at 40 mph. I suspect it was actually 30 mph.
Yesterday, the operator of the following train, Owen Turner, was charged with "gross negligence of a person in control of a train, and gross negligence of a person having care of a common carrier."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/green-line-trolley-driver-faces-charges-in-july-crash-in-boston-that-injured-dozens/ar-AAOKJNf?ocid=uxbndlbing
Mr. Turner seems to be searching for a story that shows him suddenly unable to perform his duties, while not caused by any willful negligence on his part.
The Associated press says that the police report says that Turner has a history of overspeed incidents.
True.
But, even though he was speeding, I don't see this as a speed problem. I see it as an inability or an unwillingness to handle his train.
At 10mph or 31mph, he could SEE the train in front of him. He had plenty of time and distance to take action. He did not hit the brakes.
I actually do wonder if he had a "brain episode". I mean, he's at the front, which will hit first. He would normally be INSPIRED to slow down. No one in their right mind WANTS to do a rear-end.
As far as those apparent multiple speeding infractions, it appears the transit system did not think them bad enough to keep him from operating the train, though he WAS suspended for quite a length of time.
I am SO glad no one was killed, and that the city of Boston has deep pockets to take care of the damaged people.
7j43kI actually do wonder if he had a "brain episode". I mean, he's at the front, which will hit first. He would normally be INSPIRED to slow down. No one in their right mind WANTS to do a rear-end.
I see no mention of a test for substances suck as drugs or alcohol. Assume it was done. No mention of sleep disorders or second jobs. Are not these standard??
Electroliner 1935 7j43k I actually do wonder if he had a "brain episode". I mean, he's at the front, which will hit first. He would normally be INSPIRED to slow down. No one in their right mind WANTS to do a rear-end. I see no mention of a test for substances suck as drugs or alcohol. Assume it was done. No mention of sleep disorders or second jobs. Are not these standard??
7j43k I actually do wonder if he had a "brain episode". I mean, he's at the front, which will hit first. He would normally be INSPIRED to slow down. No one in their right mind WANTS to do a rear-end.
Which organization is doing the investigation - NTSB or the FTA?
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
The Suffolk County District Attorney has started a criminal inestigation of MBTA, prompted by this event. Since that person is leaving the post soon, it does seem like that investigation will devolve onto the following DA. The timing is interesting.
"The agency failed to fulfill its legal obligation... We will be looking into whether...merits criminal action."
Owen Turner, the operator of the crashing trolley, was supposed to appear in court on December 8 of last year, but there has been no indication in the news that this happened.
Owen Turner was found not guilty in a trial on this matter:
https://www.wcvb.com/article/trial-of-mbta-operator-involved-in-green-line-crash-verdict/42461639#
Here is the NTSB report:
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/RIR2215.pdf
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