MBTA Conductor Failed to Secure Brake in Runaway Train Scare: Officials

BRAINTREE, MA — An MBTA conductor tied a cord around the throttle fix a signal issue on his train full of passengers Thursday, causing the train to take off without him, officials said.

The Braintree train traveled three stops on the red line before crews depowered the third rail, forcing the train to a halt. No one was hurt.

Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said Friday the driver, identified as David Vazquez, tied a cord around the throttle and failed to secure the brake as he fixed a signal problem.

MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola called the incident “highly troubling.”

Vazquez was placed on administrative leave. He has been employed with the MBTA for nearly 30 years, according to WHDH.

A passenger told WHDH some passengers tried to break windows to escape.

One MBTA worker suffered a minor injury during the incident, officials said.

The Boston Carmen’s Union, which represents Vazquez, released this statement:

“We are extremely grateful that there were no serious injuries in (the) accident to either the employees we represent or the riding public, which we serve. Safety has always been the top priority of the Carmen’s Union. Creating extra precautions and having a second employee, such as a train attendant of guard, assigned to these trains could have avoided this incident. We are cooperating with the ongoing investigation of this incident and look forward to working with the MBTA to put in place measures to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

Photo credit: rmburnes via Flickr