Operator of Runaway Train Misses Disciplinary Hearing

The fate of an MBTA worker whose actions allegedly allowed a Red Line train to leave Braintree unmanned is expected to come soon.

Monday morning, David Vazquez, who was identified as the train operator, was scheduled to face a hearing according to WCVB, but his lawyer said he is being treated for stress and would be unable to make the hearing. An alternative date was not offered.

Sources tell the news station that the hearing went on, using statements he made to authorities last week.

According to multiple reports, Vazquez tied a cord around the throttle and did not set the brakes on the train before stepping out of the cab to manually put the vehicle into “bypass mode,” Thursday morning.

Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack said Friday such an act is prohibited and is a fireable offense. Currently, Vazquez is on administrative paid leave.

After the train left, MBTA workers were able to stop the train just past North Quincy by shutting down the third rail.