(Mario Jarjour/WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – The MBTA is looking to fire the driver behind July's Green Line crash which sent 24 passengers and three crew members to the hospital with minor injuries.
The MBTA told WBZ NewsRadio the driver of that train was placed on leave and has been suspended without pay, effective September 20. They are now taking the steps necessary to end the employment of the individual.
"The delivery of safe and reliable service is the MBTA’s top priority," they said. "The MBTA and Transit Police will continue to work with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office in its ongoing investigation into the trolley operator’s actions."
Read More: Multiple People Being Evaluated Following Green Line Train Crash In Allston
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the crash which happened at around 6:00 p.m. One train collided with the rear of another train while they were both traveling west on the B-branch of the Green Line.
The incident occurred on a curb-separated guide way in the middle of Commonwealth Avenue in Brookline.
The NTSB said the striking train was moving at 31 miles per hour before colliding with the other train ahead of it, which was only moving at ten miles per hour.
Read More: Beacon Hill Water Main Break Floods Part Of Hancock Street
The NTSB said that during the site visit, investigators made sense of the accident through sight-distance observations.
“A preliminary review of striking train’s event recorder data revealed that the operator of the striking train placed the master controller in a full-power position prior to the accident."
The board said their investigation into the crash is ongoing and that future activity will focus on internal and external oversight, operational testing, crashworthiness of the equipment involved, and employee fitness for duty.
WBZ's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) has the details:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App