Green line train derailed

A Green Line train went off the tracks Tuesday afternoon, leaving seven injured, and forcing passengers to seek other forms of transportation for the rest of the day.

By Kelly Egan

Dozens of Bostonians’ afternoons were disrupted Tuesday when a Green Line train derailed in Cambridge.

The train was heading eastbound to Red Bridge when the wheels of the lead trolley car came off the tracks at 5:30 p.m. The accident occurred near Lechmere Station, where the Medford/Tufts and the Union branches intersect. 

To reach safety, dozens of passengers walked along the tracks to reach solid ground. Seven passengers were injured and transported to local hospitals immediately following the incident. The others on board were evacuated through an emergency exit. Though the Cambridge Fire Department said several others were checked out by medics, everyone involved is expected to make a full recovery.

While the train was immobilized, shuttle buses were sent to replace transit from North Station and Union Square, and Medford/Tufts until the end of the day. 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Cambridge Fire Department assessed the damage and started investigating what caused the train to come off the tracks. 

Ryan Coholan, the Chief Operating Officer of MBTA, held a press conference at Lechmere Station, the site of the accident. 

“[MBTA] shares your frustration and we’re committed to a full, thorough investigation to ensure that this incident is addressed,” Coholan said in his speech. 

The ongoing investigation so far does not show any evidence of the accident being caused by the track structure, so the MBTA is looking into other possible causes.

“Right now, we’re focused on the human factors involved in this incident,” Coholan said.