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MBTA: Texting To Blame In Boston Trolley Crash

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May 8, 2009 9:02 pm US/Eastern

MBTA: Texting To Blame In Boston Trolley Crash

BOSTON (CBS) ― The driver of a trolley that crashed into another train underground in Boston, injuring dozens of passengers, was texting when the wreck occurred, transit authorities said Friday.

Dozens of passengers were injured when an inbound train derailed between Park Street and Government Center as it hit a stopped train from behind around 7:19 p.m. Friday, CBS station WJZ-TV reported.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority spokesman Joe Pesaturo says none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

The 24-year-old driver of the train that crashed is a two-year employee with the MBTA, according to MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas. He suffered the most serious injuries but is in stable condition. Police interviewed the man from an area hospital.

Grabauskas said the driver could face termination, though the investigation is ongoing, WJZ-TV reported.

Dozens of emergency vehicles responded to the accident, and paramedics could be seen taking people out of the station. Some of the injured had cuts and others were strapped to back boards.

Pesaturo did not have any other details, including what caused the crash.

The Green Line between the two stations is closed

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.