MBTA Commuter Train Slams Into Unoccupied Tractor-Trailer Left on Tracks in Canton, Massachusetts; One Passenger Hospitalized with Minor Injuries as Investigation into Near-Tragic Collision Begins

Canton, MA – April 2025 — A potentially catastrophic collision between a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter train and an unoccupied tractor-trailer sent shockwaves through the town of Canton on Wednesday afternoon. Although the impact was powerful and caused significant disruption to service and traffic in the area, officials confirmed that there were no serious injuries. One passenger was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, according to first responders.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Jackson Street and the MBTA rail crossing—a location not unfamiliar to locals but now etched into memory for all the wrong reasons. According to preliminary reports from MBTA Transit Police and Canton fire officials, the tractor-trailer became stuck or was otherwise abandoned on the tracks just minutes before the train’s arrival. It was unoccupied when the train made impact.

Surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate that the train operator had limited time to react. Despite engaging emergency braking procedures, the commuter train, traveling on the Providence/Stoughton Line, was unable to stop in time. The collision crumpled the trailer’s rear, scattering debris across the rail bed and adjacent roadway.

“I was sitting by the window, reading,” said a passenger who asked to remain anonymous. “Then there was this sudden jolt—a loud crash—and we were all thrown forward. People screamed. I didn’t know what had happened until I looked outside and saw the wreckage.”

Emergency crews arrived quickly at the scene. MBTA and local fire departments coordinated to evacuate passengers safely. Most were assessed at the scene and released. One individual was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton with what authorities described as “non-life-threatening injuries,” mostly from the initial jolt of the crash.

The driver of the truck was located shortly after the incident and is cooperating with investigators. Officials have not yet released the driver’s name or explained why the truck was left on the tracks. It is unclear whether the vehicle became disabled or if human error was involved. The truck’s owner, a regional freight company, issued a brief statement expressing relief that no one was seriously hurt and stating that they are “working closely with authorities to understand what happened and how to prevent such an incident in the future.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have been notified, and a full investigation is underway. Officials are analyzing signal data, train operator actions, and whether any mechanical or procedural failures contributed to the crash.

Meanwhile, commuters faced delays and rerouted service as MBTA teams worked to clear the wreckage and assess track damage. Service on the Providence/Stoughton Line was suspended for several hours before limited operations resumed later in the evening with ongoing delays expected into Thursday.

Canton town officials held a press conference Wednesday night to thank first responders for their swift actions and to reassure residents that safety remains a top priority.

“This could have ended much worse,” said Canton Fire Chief Charles Dooley. “The fact that we’re not dealing with mass injuries or fatalities today is a testament to the emergency response systems in place—but it’s also a warning. We must remain vigilant at every crossing, at every turn.”

Residents have long voiced concerns about the Jackson Street crossing, which sees frequent truck traffic and has been cited in the past for visibility issues. Wednesday’s incident has reignited calls for improved safety measures, including better signage, lighting, and possible installation of crossing gates or automated warning systems.

For now, the focus remains on piecing together the events that led to the crash and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.

“This was a very close call,” said MBTA spokesperson Alicia Reyes. “We are grateful that all passengers and crew are safe, and we remain committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for all MBTA services moving forward.”

As cleanup crews continue their work and investigators dig into the details, commuters and Canton residents alike are left with a sobering reminder of how quickly the ordinary can turn dangerous—and how fortunate they are that this day didn’t end in tragedy.