7 passengers injured in MBTA Green Line train derailment near Lechmere – Boston News, Weather, Sports

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (WHDH) – Seven passengers were taken to the hospital after an MBTA Green Line train derailed near the Lechmere station Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

At 5 p.m., the MBTA announced in an X post that shuttle buses would replace train service between North Station and Medford/Tufts due to the incident.

According to an X post from the Cambridge Fire Department, several people were evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries. Seven people were taken to local hospitals, the department said.

“I saw two people over there on the stretcher with neck braces,” said commuter Arianna Landnie. “It was scary – I take the train all the time. Just think about it, that could have been me. Scary.”

According to the MBTA, about 50 people were on board at the time of the derailment.

MBTA says operator error could be to blame.

“The investigation is ongoing, but preliminary indications rule out any issues with the track structure, and right now we are focused on the human factors involved in this incident,” MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan said at a news conference .

Firefighters cut off the train's overhead power supply after the incident, the fire department said.

For the remainder of the evening, shuttle buses replaced train service in the area. Passengers were also encouraged to use the Route 87 bus as an alternative mode of transportation, the MBTA said.

“I always try to run. I walk two and a half miles to work instead of taking the T train because my walk is more reliable,” said commuter Brian Kernan. “I know exactly how long it will take each day.”

The derailment remains under investigation by the MBTA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

“The MBTA sincerely apologizes to riders for the frustration and distress this incident has caused. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to ensure this does not happen again,” the statement said.

This is a developing news story; Stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest information.

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