In a shocking incident on September 24, a San Francisco light rail train became a scene of panic, with passengers thrown around as the train unexpectedly accelerated. According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the train entered a tunnel and exited at an alarming speed of 50 mph, raising serious safety concerns. Eyewitness accounts describe utter chaos inside the two-car Muni train, with some riders reportedly thrown to the floor and others colliding violently with each other.
Passenger Jack Logar recalled the terrifying moments, saying, “I had people fall on me as we were going around the first curve.” He noted that the train continued to speed despite passengers’ screams, emphasizing the prolonged duration of fear. “It definitely seemed like for at least five seconds, maybe longer, the train was just flying,” Logar added. The distress expressed by Logar was echoed by fellow passenger Kenny Sandon, who remarked, “I really hope this is like a smoking gun for Muni to take action and make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Their statements highlight a critical need for accountability and safety improvements within the Muni system.
The SFMTA has placed the operator on non-driving status while investigating the incident, attributing the events to “operator fatigue.” After the train blew past one scheduled stop, it finally came to a sudden halt, leaving many passengers terrified for their safety. The questions surrounding operator vigilance and adequate rest cannot be ignored, especially when public safety is at stake.
In a video recorded during the incident, the operator is heard reassuring passengers in a panic, saying, “Relax, relax! I’m sorry, relax. We didn’t crash. Relax. Relax. It wouldn’t stop.” This reaction raises further concerns about the preparedness of transit operators to handle emergencies effectively.
SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum acknowledged the fears experienced by riders, stating, “We know this was a frightening experience for our riders, and we take that very seriously.” Her emphasis on accountability and safety reflects a commitment to preventing future incidents. However, the real test will be whether meaningful changes follow this alarming event.
In the aftermath of this near-disaster, SFMTA checked the train, tracks, and infrastructure, all of which were reportedly in working order. Yet, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the potential consequences of operator fatigue and the need for robust safety measures within public transit systems. As accountability becomes a central theme in handling such events, passengers will be watching closely to see if the agency will prioritize their safety in future operations.
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