Two Maintenance Vehicles Collided on MBTA Commuter Rail Tracks Near Norwood Depot, Sending Six Crew Members to Local Hospitals
NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS (November 2, 2026) – Six workers were injured in a Norwood railroad accident when two maintenance vehicles collided on the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks near Norwood Depot on Monday morning.
Norwood police and fire officials are saying that the collision occurred around 8:44 a.m. on Monday, November 2, on the northbound tracks near Norwood Depot. Police said the scene was along the railroad tracks behind 150 Hill Street. Emergency crews were dispatched after a rail worker called 911.
According to Keolis, which operates the Commuter Rail for the MBTA, the construction vehicles were performing track work when they made contact at low speed on the right of way.
Norwood Fire responded with Ladder 1, Engine 5 and two ambulances. Ambulances from Walpole, Westwood and Canton also responded, while the Dedham Fire Department provided station coverage. Emergency personnel removed the injured workers from the scene.
All six workers were transported to local hospitals. Their injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. A Keolis spokesperson reportedly told The Boston Globe that five of the workers had been treated and released by Monday night. The workers have not been publicly identified.
The collision reportedly caused major delays, and trains on the Franklin/Foxboro Line were replaced by buses between Readville and Walpole until service resumed.
A full investigation by the MBTA Transit Police Department remains ongoing at this time.
DiBella Law remains committed to improving public safety and increasing transparency through our Free Police Report program. If you’ve been involved in any type of accident that required a police response, we can help you get a copy of the police report created at no cost or obligation to you.
Liability for Norwood Railroad Accidents
Railroad workers who are hurt on the job may be able to seek compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. § 51. Under this federal law, a railroad carrier engaged in interstate commerce “shall be liable in damages to any person suffering injury while he is employed by such carrier in such commerce” when the injury results in whole or in part from the negligence of the carrier’s officers, agents or employees, or from a defect in its equipment, machinery or track caused by its negligence.
Courts will consider a number of factors when evaluating liability for any railroad accident.
- Equipment Spacing: Whether the machines kept a safe distance from one another while traveling or working on the track.
- Communication: Whether operators and crews on the ground clearly communicated before equipment started, slowed, stopped or changed direction.
- Vehicle Condition: Whether brakes, lights, horns and other safety systems on each machine were inspected and working properly.
- Work Records: Job briefings, training records and work plans can show whether safety procedures were in place and followed.
An equipment operator who fails to keep a safe distance from other machinery on the track may be found negligent. Under FELA, the railroad can be held responsible for the negligence of its employees and agents, and a worker’s own share of fault reduces, but does not necessarily bar, a recovery. Depending on what investigators find, a contractor or the manufacturer of defective equipment could also share liability.
Preventing Track Maintenance Equipment Collisions
Far too many rail workers are seriously injured or killed every year in preventable accidents involving on-track equipment. According to a February 2022 report from the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) Committee, published by the Federal Railroad Administration, “At least one RMM was present in 36 of the 65 roadway worker fatalities reviewed.” RMMs are roadway maintenance machines, the type of equipment used for track work.
- Safe Spacing: Keeping a safe distance between machines when they are traveling or working.
- Clear Signals: Making sure operators clearly communicate before moving, slowing, stopping or changing direction.
- Job Briefings: Reviewing the work plan, equipment movements and on-track safety with the whole crew before work begins.
- Blind Spots and Noise: Accounting for the limited sight lines and loud conditions that come with heavy track equipment.
- Equipment Inspections: Checking brakes, warning devices and controls before each shift.
When a railroad or contractor fails to follow basic safety practices and workers are hurt as a result, those injured may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a FELA claim or personal injury claim.
Investigating Norwood Railroad Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the six workers injured in this Norwood railroad accident as they continue to recover.
Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the MBTA Transit Police.
What safety procedures were in place to keep these maintenance vehicles a safe distance apart? Were the operators able to communicate clearly before the machines began moving?
Have you or a loved one been injured in a railroad accident in Massachusetts? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of experienced train accident attorneys is here to support you. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial assistance that they need to recover and move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we are here to help you. You can reach out to DiBella Law anytime at 617-600-0000.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.