(Source: National Transportation Safety Board press release, September 21, 2021)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 30, 2021, about 6:03 p.m. local time, a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) light rail vehicle consist (train) collided into the rear of another MBTA train, both trains were traveling west. Each train consisted of two coupled railcars. The collision occurred on the B-Branch of the MBTA Green Line that runs on a curb-separated guideway in the middle of Commonwealth Avenue in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a result of the accident, 24 passengers and 3 crewmembers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The sky was clear with no precipitation at the time of the accident.
The striking train accelerated to a speed of 31 mph before colliding with the train ahead of it that was moving about 10 mph. A preliminary review of striking train’s event recorder data revealed that the operator of the striking train placed the master controller in a full-power position prior to the accident. During the site visit, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators conducted sight-distance observations to the west.
The NTSB investigation is ongoing. Future investigative activity will focus on internal and external oversight, operational testing, crashworthiness of the equipment involved, and employee fitness for duty.
Parties to the investigation include the Federal Transit Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, MBTA, and the Amalgamated Transit Union – Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589.