MBTA cable failure causes evacuation of over 450 passengers in Boston
- Passengers on a Blue Line train were evacuated due to a signal issue caused by a downed communication line.
- Riders walked for nearly two hours in the dark through a tunnel before being safely escorted out.
- MBTA is addressing infrastructure concerns uncovered during investigations while promising to improve service reliability.
In a troubling incident in Boston, Massachusetts, more than 450 passengers aboard a Blue Line train were evacuated following significant operational issues on July 15, 2025. The evacuation was prompted by a signal problem that stemmed from a downed communication line, which occurred between the Maverick and Aquarium stations around 2:30 p.m. Passengers reported experiencing a frightening and chaotic situation as they waited nearly two hours inside a dark and humid tunnel before being escorted to safety by Boston firefighters, EMS, and Transit Police. During the evacuation, passengers endured extreme discomfort, with one stating that the train journey felt particularly stressful as they were taken through dim conditions without proper ventilation. The MBTA expressed its regret for the delays and admitted to ongoing investigations into the incident's causes. As the situation unfolded, it became obvious that the authorities needed to take immediate measures to address the underlying issues responsible for the train’s breakdown. Subsequent to the evacuation, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng revealed that more infrastructure concerns had arisen during the inquiry into the incident. He indicated that the disruption was linked to an aging cable that had been in service for approximately 50 to 60 years. Following the investigation, interim repairs were conducted to re-splice some cables that were identified as problematic. However, while inside the tunnel, repair teams noted other areas of concern that would need attention in the future. Eng reassured the public that measures would be implemented to address the broader concerns surrounding the MBTA's infrastructure. He outlined the significant challenges facing the agency and acknowledged the historical context surrounding the complaints regarding the service, stating, “This is not a flip of the switch to just say tomorrow everything's running perfectly.” As the agency continues to confront criticism over its aging infrastructure, delays, and safety issues, it is committed to investing in both its workforce and infrastructure to improve service delivery for commuters.