MBTA Train Takes Off Without Conductor; Foul Play Suspected

BRAINTREE, MA — Passengers aboard an MBTA train experienced the scare of a lifetime Thursday when the train took off without a conductor.

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The train left the Braintree station at 6:08 a.m. and continued past the North Quincy station, at which point crews depowered the third rail, bringing the runaway train to a stop. No one was hurt.

MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola said the train’s cab may have been tampered with. Officials are interviewing witnesses and the conductor.

“Passenger safety is the highest priority for the MBTA and this highly troubling incident is under investigation by Transit Police detectives,” DePaola said in a statement.

This is a breaking news story. Refresh the page for updates.

Photo: An MBTA red line train like the one involved in Thursday’s incident. (Credit: mbta.com)