A tragic incident unfolded at the Jackson Square MBTA station in Boston this afternoon when an individual died after falling onto the tracks and becoming trapped under an Orange Line train. The Boston Police Department confirmed the person was pronounced dead at the scene after officers responded to the report of a person trapped underneath the train, according to a Boston.com news report.
Firefighters and EMS crews were also present at the harrowing scene, MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan conveyed to Boston 25 News the presumption that the victim "apparently stumbled before falling onto the tracks," by the oncoming train, indicating an absence of suspicion of foul play. Authorities from both the Transit Police and the Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit are currently investigating the circumstances of this incident.
In the wake of this accident, the MBTA has taken measures to manage the impact on public transit services. Shuttle buses have been arranged to facilitate passage between Ruggles and Forest Hills while the usual train services are disrupted—this as detectives continue their work at Jackson Square. "On behalf of the TPD and the entire MBTA organization we offer our most sincere condolences to the decedent’s family and loved ones," Sullivan stated, according to Boston 25 News.
To accommodate commuters affected by the temporary suspension of the Orange Line service in the affected sectors, the MBTA has announced that the commuter rail will be free to ride between South Station, Back Bay, Ruggles, and Forest Hills. They have also noted that the Green Line remains available for travelers looking for alternate ways to navigate downtown Boston during this time.
