Building collapse forces evacuations in East Boston

Key Takeaways:

• Significant Evacuation Effort: 465 passengers were evacuated from a stalled train under Boston Harbor.
• Downed Communications Wire as the Cause: The incident was due to a fallen wire, stopping the train in its tracks.
• Passengers Faced Uncomfortable Conditions: Heat and lack of air conditioning added to the ordeal.
• Service Disruptions Lasted Several Hours: Normal operations resumed around 8 p.m., affecting many commuters.
• No Injuries Reported: Despite the challenging evacuation, all passengers were safe.

A Commute Turned Inside Out

An ordinary afternoon commute transformed into an unexpected ordeal for hundreds when an MBTA Blue Line train abruptly stopped under Boston Harbor on Tuesday around 2:30 p.m. The train, packed with approximately 465 passengers, was en route between Aquarium and Maverick stations when it came to an unexpected halt.

The Sudden Halt: What Went Wrong

The MBTA reported that a downed communications wire caused the train to come to a screeching stop deep beneath the harbor. Passengers peering out of the windows could see the thick cable dangling alongside the train. “You could see it out the window,” recalled Hayden Green, one of the passengers. “This huge fat cable just hanging outside the window, and we’re like, wow, that’s not supposed to be there probably.”

Inside the Train: Passenger Experiences

As the train remained stationary, passengers waited for about an hour, uncertain about what was happening. The air conditioning was eventually shut off, leading to an uncomfortable environment. “They also killed the AC like 20 minutes before we even got to start walking out,” explained Jaden Wenceslao. “Didn’t smell great, it was really hot and everything.”

The Evacuation: Walking Through the Tunnel

With the train unable to proceed, officials decided to evacuate the passengers. The power to the tracks was cut, and riders were guided out of the train and through the dimly lit, musty tunnel. They walked along the tracks, up the stairs, and exited through points in both Boston and East Boston. “We’re sitting there and then all of a sudden, just a loud flash, bright flash of light outside, loud crunching sound, and everyone kind of looked around like what’s happening?” recounted Finn O’Connor, another passenger.

Service Disruptions and Response

The incident led to significant disruptions on the Blue Line. Shuttle buses and ferries were deployed to transport passengers while crews worked to address the issue. Normal service resumed around 8 p.m., several hours after the train first stopped. The MBTA assured the public that efforts were underway to investigate the cause of the downed wire.

Aftermath: No Injuries and Ongoing Investigation

Despite the unsettling experience, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. The MBTA is conducting an investigation to determine what caused the communications wire to fail and to prevent such incidents in the future.

Reflection: Passengers’ Perspectives

For many on board, the experience was anything but typical. The combination of the unexpected halt, the lengthy wait, and the trek through the tunnel left a lasting impression. “It was surreal,” some passengers described, noting that it was something they never thought they’d experience during their daily commute.