A 51-year-old woman survived a terrifying encounter with a Red Line train at Andrew Station in South Boston on Friday morning, after authorities say she jumped into the right-of-way as a northbound train approached around 10:14 a.m.
The MBTA operator was able to bring the train to a stop and first responders moved in to reach the woman under the train. She was described as conscious and alert when she was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan said the woman had intentionally jumped and credited the operator with acting quickly to halt the train, according to The Boston Globe. Officials said firefighters extricated her and she was taken to a nearby hospital. No further details on her condition have been released.
How crews freed her
Firefighters climbed beneath the stopped train to reach the rider, working in the tight space to free her from the right-of-way. They then carried her to a stretcher before loading her into an ambulance, officials said.
The woman “did not display any obvious signs of external injury” and remained conscious as crews brought her out, according to The Boston Globe.
Context and safety
Incidents that require rescuers to pull someone from under or near a train are uncommon on the T but not unheard of, and they often rattle riders and cause major delays.
In a 2022 incident at Park Street Station, a man died after coming into contact with the third rail, as reported by WCVB. Safety on platforms and along the tracks remains a central concern for both regulators and passengers.
Support and resources
Officials credited the MBTA operator’s quick response with helping to prevent further harm while transit police continue to investigate what led up to Friday’s incident.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available 24/7 from the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting 988 Lifeline.
