School bus nearly hit by MBTA train in Canton

A school bus carrying students in Canton was almost hit by a train Wednesday morning, prompting officials to launch an investigation. 

The bus was being driven by a substitute driver, who failed to stop at the appropriate distance from the MBTA commuter rail tracks on Pine Street. The crossing arm came down and rested on the bus, but there was enough space for the train to pass without a collision. There were no injuries, according to a letter sent to families from Superintendent Derek Folan and Chief of Police Helena Rafferty.

A joint investigation is being conducted by the Canton Police Department and Canton Public Schools. They have been in contact with MBTA officials as part of the investigation. 

“Our first priority is the safety of our students. When the investigation is concluded, we will determine what further actions, if any, are appropriate,” Folan and Rafferty wrote. 

Officials called the families of every student that was on the bus at the time of the incident to explain what happened, they wrote. Canton Public Schools uses the company First Student to operate its buses. Schools officials have been in touch with First Student and were assured that the driver involved in the incident will no longer be driving for First Student. 

“We anticipate First Student will take corrective actions regarding protocols and training for all drivers,” Folan and Rafferty wrote.

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