Earlier today, the MBTA Mattapan Trolley at Milton Station became an unlikely setting for a dramatic rescue operation following a sudden flooding event. According to 7NEWS, at around 7:30 a.m., firefighters responded to the Milton Fire Department's call and used rafts to evacuate seven individuals from a trolley surrounded by rapidly rising water levels. The cause, officials say, was likely due to the Neponset River overflowing.
One passenger described the ordeal, recalling the moment to 7NEWS: "The water went up really high. It wasn’t that high before, but it was going up slowly and the train couldn’t move because the power was out." Firefighters employed ice rescue suits and boats to safely transport passengers and the driver from the stricken trolley without any reported injuries. The flooding left the parking lot, platform, and tracks at Milton Station submerged for hours after the incident, as observed through the station’s CCTV cameras by MBTA chief operating officer Ryan Coholan.
The aftermath of the flood posed further challenges as temperatures caused the deluge to freeze over. In a statement obtained by 7NEWS, crews were seen removing chunks of ice from the tracks. MBTA officials have since implemented shuttle bus service to cover the route between Mattapan and Ashmont, while the affected areas of the transit system receive necessary attention.
Adding to the account, Milton Fire Chief Chris Madden told Boston 25 News, "You’d never thought you’d have to make an ice rescue off of a trolley before." He explained that a dam upriver with ice formations was likely responsible for the river spilling its banks, leading to the unforeseen ice rescue operation. The extent of the flooding was significant, with some areas reaching up to four feet in depth. Madden had predicted that his crew might be called for ice rescues during the winter season—just not in a scenario quite like this.
Authorities are currently investigating the specific cause of the water flow that inundated the lot next to the trolley station. While this is an active situation, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Passengers and commuters affected by the service disruption between Mattapan and Ashmont are advised to stay informed on the latest developments and shuttle bus arrangements.
