NTSB: MBTA light rail train was going 30 mph when it struck train ahead

NTSB: MBTA light rail train was going 30 mph when it struck train ahead

By David Lassen | August 3, 2021

Preliminary investigation continues into accident that injured 25

Smashed-in front of green and white light rail vehicle
The rear of an MBTA light rail train shows the damage sustained when it was struck by another train on July 30. (Joe Gordon, NTSB)

WASHINGTON — National Transportation Safety Board investigators have determined that one Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority light rail train was traveling at 30 mph when it struck another train Friday in an accident that injured 25 people.

In a press release, the NTSB said it had obtained information from the event recorder on the train that struck a slower-moving train ahead of it. That train was traveling about 10 mph. Two cars on the first train and one on the second train derailed as a result of the collision. Multiple Boston-area media outlets have reported there is a 10 mph speed limit at the accident location.

NTSB investigators arrived in Boston. The agency said the investigative team includes members of the Federal Transit Administration, MBTA, and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. A labor union representing MBTA employees has also been offered the chance to participate.

The NTSB said it will release a preliminary report within 30 days of the completion of on-scene work.

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