UPDATE: GPS Put Driver Onto Commuter Tracks

The decision of a Belmont driver to follow directions from her GPS device sent her and her two young children onto the MBTA commuter rail tracks and into the path of a Fitchburg/South Action train last night, Tuesday, June 18, according to the MBTA Transit Police. 

Once she realized she had taken a wrong turn at the Brighton Street railroad crossing and could not turn the vehicle, she exited the SUV with her children and were at a safe distance when the vehicle was struck by the outbound train a few minutes after 9 p.m.

MBTA and Belmont Police along with Belmont Fire and EMS arrived at the scene to find the vehicle on the tracks with substantial damage and the train stopped.

There was approximately 70 passengers on board the train and the MBTA immediately dispatched buses to pick them up and continue the trip along the route, said the Transit Police.

Waltham Auto and Tow removed the vehicle from the tracks. 

According to information provided to the Transit Police, which was the lead law enforcement agency, the Belmont woman was traveling southbound on Brighton Street utilizing the services of a GPS.

Just prior to Hittenger Street, the GPS indicated for the driver to take a right- hand turn which she did.

"Unfortunately the right hand turn positioned her vehicle onto the railroad tracks, after attempts to drive off the tracks were unsuccessful the driver of the vehicle along with two minor children exited and moved away from the track area to a safe location. Shortly thereafter a MBTA Fitchburg bound commuter rail train struck the vehicle," said the MBTA Police.