[UPDATE]: “Investigators have identified the cause of the loud bang. An air bag blew. It was in the undercarriage of the train’s 4th car. The air bags on subway cars are similar to shock absorbers on motor vehicles,” MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo confirmed to BostInno.
Commuters were in for a bit of uncertainly while riding the Orange Line this morning. A loud booming sound and falling debris occurred at State Street station, though at this time the line is running per usual.
According to MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo, one of the train cars suffered an overheated motor and the disabled train has since been taken out of service. It’s unclear if the motor was the cause of the large boom heard by riders and bystanders.
When asked about the falling debris, which avid Boston Twitter user @universalhub described it as a light fixture that fell from the ceiling onto the tracks, Pesaturo noted further that the situation is currently under investigation. @universalhub also tweeted that once the boom sounded, the train appeared to continue its route towards Forest Hills.
@NickDeLuca1 Aside from the fact that ceiling light fixtures are plunging to the track, no, doesn’t sound like it
— Adam Gaffin (@universalhub) June 5, 2014
BostInno arrived on the scene at State Street station just as a Boston Fire engine was pulling away along with a Police Officer and other city officials. Trains were running both inbound and outbound, though the loudspeaker warned to expect minor delays.
MT: “@mbta_alerts: #OrangeLine experiencing delays due to power problem at State SB.” I was on that train. Was NOT a power problem. #mbta
— Luke (@LukeBBC251) June 5, 2014
The #OrangeLine is broken. Again. Still. #MBTA
— Melinda (@MelindaC1973) June 5, 2014
Orange line experiencing “major delays” due to police action at State Street. #mbta
— Melissa K Palardy (@melissapalardy) June 5, 2014
There was an explosion on the Orange line train I was on at state. Thank god the doors were already open. #mbta
— Douglas Brink (@dbrin62) June 5, 2014
Something big must have happened at State. Lots if sirens and fire trucks. #mbtapic.twitter.com/ipwM9GH7Y8
— Paul Chicarello (@rumdawgg) June 5, 2014
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