Runaway Train Operator Placed on Leave

Boston, MA - The operator of the Red Line train that left Braintree unmanned has been put on paid administrative leave.

Transportation Sec. Stephanie Pollack made the announcement during a press conference with Gov. Charlie Baker.

Officials, however, would not confirm if something was wrapped around the accelerator as has been reported, with Baker only stating that several mistakes were made. Pollack said if the MBTA’s investigation concludes that a cord was used to tie the train’s accelerator, it would be a fireable offense.

Thursday morning, the operator, identified as David Felix Vasquez by WHDH, left a Red Line train to address a signal issue and placed the train into bypass mode. Source tell the news station that a cord was used to tie the train accelerator and the break was not properly secured. The actions caused the train to leave the station unmanned, traveling through Quincy before the MBTA stopped the train just past North Quincy by turning off the third rail.

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When asked if a second operator could have stopped the incident, officials said the second person would not have known what occurred until the train passed the first station after Braintree, Quincy Adams.

Due to the incident, the bypass procedure used by the operator is now prohibited with employees receiving verbal and written notices to not use it, Pollack said. The practice is not believed to be widespread.

The operator is cooperating with the investigation. A final fact finding meeting is scheduled for Monday.

Photo Credit: WHDH, 7-News