A San Francisco train driver was caught on camera falling asleep at the controls, causing a packed train to accelerate dangerously and throwing panicked passengers to the floor. The incident occurred on September 4 when the Muni metro train was passing through the Sunset Tunnel near Duboce Park.Video footage shows the female operator slumped in her seat as the train suddenly accelerated to over 50 mph while navigating a curve. The violent motion sent standing passengers tumbling, with one woman screaming “I wanna get off!” While others cried “Oh my God!”
The jolt apparently woke the driver, who quickly regained control of the train and brought it to a stop. She then addressed the shaken passengers, repeatedly saying “Relax, relax, relax. We didn’t crash. Relax.” and offering an apology.According to the San Francisco Chronicle, one female passenger required treatment for a concussion following the incident.The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) confirmed on Monday that their investigation found no mechanical issues with the train or tracks. The agency concluded that the incident occurred due to “operator fatigue,” according to a report by the New York Post. The agency stated the train had experienced “a series of unexpected jolting movements while navigating a curve at an excessive speed of 50 mph,” though they didn’t specify the normal speed for that section. “Several passengers were jostled and fell due to the sudden motion,” the SFMTA acknowledged.SFMTA transportation director Julie Kirschbaum called the incident “unacceptable” and emphasised that “Safety is always our top priority. We are committed to accountability in response to this specific unacceptable incident and we are taking all necessary steps to keep Muni safe and reliable for all riders and the public.”The operator has been placed on nondriving status while the agency addresses the matter through internal procedures. Surveillance footage from inside the cabin showed the driver struggling to stay awake, with her head tipping back and eyes drooping before the dangerous acceleration occurred.
