A cable failure caused a Blue Line train to stop under Boston Harbor, stranding about 465 passengers. General manager Phil Eng apologized, emphasizing that safety is the MBTA's top priority. Passengers reported hearing a snap before losing power. The operator's quick action allowed for safe evacuation after power to the third rail was cut. Interim repairs were conducted, with plans for permanent cable replacements and assessments of additional needs in the tunnel.
MBTA general manager Phil Eng issued an apology to riders about the incident, speaking to reporters at an event on Wednesday. "We apologize to our riders, these are not the things that they expect, and we don't expect that is the level of service we want to provide."
The downed cable was reported around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Passengers said they heard a "snap" or "pop" before the Blue Line train stopped and lost power, WCVB reports.
Eng credited the train's operator with spotting the cable, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, after it came down. "Safety is still our top priority," he said.
Eng said power to the third rail was cut off so passengers could be evacuated safely from the train, and it took firefighters, Transit police, and MBTA personnel about an hour to help the estimated 465 riders aboard the halted Blue Line train out of the tunnel.
Collection
[
|
...
]