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Operator Fatigue Caused N‑Judah’s 50 mph Tunnel Incident, SFMTA Says

Investigators blamed fatigue after inspections found the train and track performed as designed.

Overview

  • SFMTA concluded a weeks-long investigation into the Sept. 24 N‑Judah run that accelerated to about 50 mph exiting the Sunset Tunnel near Duboce Park.
  • The train skipped the Duboce Avenue and Noe Street stop, then halted near Walter Street without derailing, according to the agency.
  • Video circulated by local outlets appears to show the operator nodding off as passengers were jolted, with at least one rider later treated for a concussion.
  • Officials said the braking system and related infrastructure were inspected and found no faults, with equipment performing as designed.
  • Under agency protocols the operator was placed on non‑driving status, and SFMTA is reinforcing fatigue training and working with Siemens on software to limit speeds at specific locations.