Train Operator Appears Asleep Moments Before Rear-Ending Another Train

A newly released video appears to show a San Francisco Muni operator asleep moments before his light rail train strikes the rear of another train. The impact jolts the operator forward and shatters the front window of his cab.

The collision happened shortly after 8:30 a.m. on July 31 near 47th Avenue and Wawona Street in San Francisco's Outer Parkside neighborhood. Both vehicles were operating on the L Taraval line, according to ABC7 News .

Although early accounts described both trains as empty, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) later told local news outlets that two passengers were aboard one of the moving trains. They exited after the crash, and no injuries were reported.

SFMTA verified the video and initially attributed the collision to operator error caused by fatigue. Its formal investigation remains underway.

Video Shows the Operator Nod off for About 20 Seconds

Embedded media follows. Please allow a moment for it to load.

The onboard footage shows the operator scratching his head before his hand drops and his head begins to lower. He appears to remain asleep for approximately 20 seconds as the train continues along Wawona Street, KTVU reported.

The operator then wakes, looks ahead and appears to brace himself after seeing the stopped train in front of him. The collision throws him forward as broken glass falls into the cab.

SFMTA Ruled Out Equipment and Track Problems

SFMTA said its initial review found no vehicle or infrastructure failure that would explain the crash. The agency instead identified fatigue-related operator error as the preliminary cause.

The operator was moved to non-driving duties while SFMTA completes its investigation with the California Public Utilities Commission. The agency has not announced when that investigation will conclude or how fast the train was traveling before impact.

SFMTA told NBC Bay Area that it has increased random video reviews and added rest time to operator shifts in response to fatigue concerns.

Another Operator Fatigue Incident Happened Last Year

A separate Muni operator appeared to fall asleep aboard a crowded N Judah train on Sept. 24, 2025. That train accelerated to approximately 50 mph while leaving the Sunset Tunnel, throwing some passengers from their seats.

SFMTA also attributed the incident to operator fatigue after ruling out mechanical failure. The agency placed that operator on non-driving status and launched a fatigue-awareness campaign for employees. SFMTA has since provided operators with additional safety training and bulletins about fatigue resources.