A man crossing the railroad tracks at West Medford station was struck by an Amtrak train Monday and rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, shutting down the station and tying up nearby streets while first responders flooded the scene.
Officials told WCVB that the man was hit as he crossed the tracks at the West Medford commuter-rail stop, then transported to a hospital for emergency treatment. The station was closed until further notice, and traffic was diverted onto Playstead Road and Harvard Avenue while drivers were urged to steer clear and find other routes.
Station Shutdown, Street Detours And Service Snarls
West Medford is a Lowell Line commuter-rail stop just outside West Medford Square, and the MBTA lists rider information and the station's High Street location on its official stop page. With the station shut down, Lowell Line schedules and the local bus routes that connect there are expected to see delays and reroutes, so regular riders are being told to double-check service updates before heading out. For station details and the latest status, see the MBTA stop page.
Recent Crashes Keep Rail Safety In The Spotlight
The Medford crash lands amid heightened scrutiny of rail safety in Massachusetts. In June, a toddler was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Springfield, according to CBS Boston. Investigations into incidents like these typically focus on how crossing signals were working, whether gates operated properly, and whether trespassing or other hazards played a role.
Medford police and MBTA Transit Police remained at West Medford station as investigators documented the scene. WCVB reported that the station would stay closed until crews finished their work. Authorities have not yet released the victim's name, and more details are expected as local officials and Amtrak issue updates.
How To Report Railroad Crossing Problems
MBTA rider guidance notes that problems or emergencies at railroad crossings can be reported by calling 800-522-8236, and riders can sign up for service alerts on the MBTA website. This story will be updated as officials release additional information, and commuters are advised to follow MBTA alerts along with local traffic advisories.
