NEW: Tarr, Robertson & Gordon Issue New Statement Regarding MBTA’s Response To Fatal Accident At North Wilmington Station

BOSTON, MA — Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), Representative David Robertson (D-Tewksbury), and Representative Kenneth Gordon (D-Bedford) released the following statement regarding the MBTA’s press release outlining measures to prevent railway/roadway signal crossing accidents following the fatal accident that occurred at the North Wilmington MBTA Commuter Rail grade crossing with Route 62 on January 21, 2022:

“In the immediate aftermath of the tragic accident in January we pledged to assist Wilmington town officials and the MBTA in any efforts to fully understand the failings that resulted in the loss of life of Wilmington resident Roberta Sausville Devine.  In addition, we called upon the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services to act expeditiously and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of all following investigations. These failures must not be repeated.

Tonight, the MBTA has responded publicly by outlining the several steps that have been undertaken.  In the wake of the tragic loss of life that occurred, we welcome the implementation of these important steps to prevent any similar accidents from occurring in the future.  Our efforts to support public safety and the proper functioning of commuter rail operations will continue and we encourage the MBTA and Keolis to continue to explore and act on every possible avenue to make the system more immune to human error.  We intend to continue that discussion with transit leaders and town officials. We need to do everything in our power to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.”