A terrifying scene unfolded in San Francisco when a light-rail train hurtled through a tunnel as its operator appeared to nod off at the controls.
The shocking moment, caught on surveillance video, showed the driver — seemingly exhausted — struggling to stay awake before the train suddenly jolted at high speed.
The incident, which happened on September 24, has since sparked outrage and concern over public transit safety across California.
A Sleepy Moment That Nearly Led to Disaster
The footage opens calmly enough — the train gliding through the Sunset Tunnel, passengers seated quietly, unaware of what’s about to happen.
About a minute and a half in, the operator’s head starts to droop.
Her heavy lashes flutter, her chin dips, and she leans back in her seat as fatigue takes over.
Within seconds, the train begins to surge, racing through the tunnel at nearly 50 miles per hour.
The rumble intensifies, and what looks like a moment of drowsiness quickly turns into a chaotic ride.
Panic on Board as the Train Jerks
Passengers are jolted as the train lurches violently, slamming riders against walls and one another.
The operator wakes suddenly, grabbing for control.
Just ahead, a car comes into view — a near miss that could have ended in tragedy.
The vehicle screeches past as the train finally slows, overshooting its intended stop at Duboce Avenue and Noe Street.
Gasps, shouts, and the sound of metal grinding fill the cabin. Then, silence.
“Relax, Relax … We Didn’t Crash”
Once the train comes to a full stop, the visibly shaken driver hurries toward her rattled passengers, trying to calm them.
“I’m sorry,” she says repeatedly. “Relax, relax … We didn’t crash.”
Miraculously, no one was injured, though the riders were understandably shaken.
Some reportedly exited the train in disbelief, still processing how close they came to a serious accident.
Investigation Points to Fatigue
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) later confirmed what the video made painfully clear: fatigue was the main factor behind the incident.
The operator, whose name has not been released, has been removed from driving duties while the investigation continues.
“The agency is addressing the matter in accordance with internal protocols and the relevant contract, which included placing the operator on non-driving status,” officials said in a statement.
A Wake-Up Call for Public Safety
SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum acknowledged the fear passengers felt that day.
“We know this was a frightening experience for our riders, and we take that very seriously,” she said, adding that safety “is always our top priority.”
She also pledged accountability, saying the agency is taking all necessary steps to ensure nothing like this happens again.
A Narrow Escape
In the end, what could have been a tragic accident became a stark reminder of how easily fatigue can compromise safety — even for experienced operators.
For passengers on that San Francisco train, the memory of the tunnel shaking, the sudden jolt, and the driver’s apologetic words will linger far longer than the short ride itself.