Fitchburg Train 404 Update

Following derailment incident this morning, normal service expected through the day

At approximately 7:45 this morning, Fitchburg Commuter Rail train 404 derailed between Waltham Station and Waverley Station. No passengers or members of the train crews were injured, and approximately 800 passengers were safely transferred to another train to complete their trip.

Keolis and MBTA crews responded to the scene to help safely transfer passengers and to investigate this incident. Initial findings from this investigation confirm a wheel separated from a single-level coach car while it was travelling in the inbound direction between Waltham and Waverley stations. While the root cause of the wheel separation will be determined through this investigation, it has been determined that the wheel separation prompted the derailment. Through the use of a crane, the train has been re-railed and is being transported to Boston Engine Terminal as part of the investigation to determine the exact cause of this incident. The vehicle in question and all associated components will be quarantined in order to conduct a detailed engineering analysis.

Commuter Rail coach cars, including wheel sets, are inspected daily. As a result of this incident and as a precautionary measure, an inspection of all coaches with the same equipment is now underway and is expected to be complete before the start of the evening commute. Additionally, the track where this occurred has been inspected to ensure the continued safe passage of trains through this area.

This derailment caused delays on the Fitchburg Line throughout the day, however teams were able to isolate this incident and minimize the impact to service on the remainder of the network. As a result of the efforts to resolve this issue, customers should expect normal Commuter Rail service for the remainder of the day, including on the Fitchburg Line.

“The safety of our customers and our employees is our highest priority,” said MBTA General Manager Luis Manuel Ramírez. “We appreciate our passengers’ patience and cooperation during this incident, and I want to thank our teams for their efforts to restore Commuter Rail to full service.”