Aging Cable Failure Shuts Down MBTA Blue Line

On Tuesday afternoon, a Blue Line MBTA train became stranded in a tunnel under Boston Harbor after a 50- to 60-year-old communications cable fell, causing a signal and power outage between Maverick and Aquarium stations. Approximately 465–500 passengers were trapped in cramped, hot conditions for up to two hours before being safely evacuated by MBTA personnel and Boston firefighters, with no injuries reported. Shuttle buses temporarily replaced train service while interim repairs were made, and full service resumed later that evening. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng apologized for the incident, emphasized the need for infrastructure investment, and announced that crews will return at night to permanently replace aging cables. The incident occurred after an unrelated fatality at Aquarium Station earlier that day, and MBTA officials are investigating the cable failure. The disruptions underscore the ongoing challenges posed by Boston's aging transit infrastructure.