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Video Shows Muni Operator Appearing to Sleep Before July 31 Train Collision

SFMTA's preliminary review blames operator fatigue after investigators ruled out vehicle and infrastructure failure.

Overview

  • On July 31 an L Taraval train rear-ended another near 47th Avenue and Wawona Street, the impact shattering the cab window while SFMTA reported no injuries.
  • Cab footage shared by NorCal Bodycam and broadcast by local outlets appears to show the operator nodding off immediately before the collision.
  • SFMTA said analysts have preliminarily determined the crash was caused by operator error from fatigue and placed the operator on non-driving status while a formal investigation continues.
  • Officials offer conflicting accounts about passengers: the San Francisco Fire Department told reporters both trains were empty while SFMTA said two passengers were aboard the striking train and left after it stopped.
  • The agency has recently expanded random video reviews, added rest time and run fatigue-awareness training after earlier dozing incidents, and the released video is likely to increase pressure for policy or discipline once the review is complete.