NTSB: Preliminary investigation links MBTA Red Line rider’s death to door malfunction

BOSTON — The National Transportation Safety Board is out with its initial findings in a deadly incident on the MBTA Red Line - and tied the death of a rider to a “fault” in the train’s door.

A Boston man - Robinson Lalin, 39 - was killed when he got stuck in Red Line door at the Broadway Station on April 10 and was dragged to his death.

“Surveillance video reviewed by National Transportation Safety Board investigators showed that the passenger attempted to exit the six-car train through the side passenger door of the railcar they were riding in as the train doors were closing,” according to the NTSB. “In the attempt to exit the train, the passenger’s right arm was trapped in the door. The train departed the station, dragging the passenger along the platform about 105 feet and onto the surface below, near the tracks.”

“MBTA trains are designed and equipped with safety features to prevent them from moving when the passenger doors are obstructed,” according to a Monday statement from the agency.

“NTSB investigators examined and tested the railcar involved after the accident, identifying a fault in a local door control system that enabled the train to move with the door obstructed.”

25 Investigates has reported on the safety system that is the focus of the investigation.

“The MBTA immediately initiated a fleet inspection looking for the identified fault in other railcars to prevent reoccurrence,” according to the NTSB. “MBTA reported that no other similar faults were found during the inspection.”

“The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing. Future investigative activity will focus on the MBTA’s passenger train equipment and operating procedures,” said the NSTB.

In a statement to Boston 25, the MBTA said its own investigators also found an issue with the train’s door caused by a “short circuit.”

“The NTSB has confirmed the MBTA’s initial assessment of a short circuit in the car’s wiring that allowed the train to begin moving while Mr. Lalin was attempting to exit through the closing doors,” said the T.

The T says no other similar issues were found on other Red Line trains.

“Immediately following the accident, the door systems throughout the Red Line fleet were tested for this specific problem, and MBTA personnel found all components performed as designed and did not identify any additional instances of the circuitry problem the incident car experienced” according to the T.

“MBTA personnel, who perform regularly scheduled preventative maintenance, are supplementing existing door inspection protocols with additional testing to prevent this issue from occurring again,” according to the MBTA statement.

A memorial service for Robinson Lalin was held this past weekend in Boston.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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