Officials respond after suicidal woman lays on tracks with Massachusetts train approaching

An incident took place on Tuesday where a suicidal woman was laying on tracks as a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority train approached.

According to police, just before 11:00 a.m. this morning, Cohasset Police and Fire units were dispatched to the commuter rail grade crossing on Pleasant Street for a report of a female laying across the tracks between the Pleasant Street and Pond Street crossings.

Information from the MBTA was that the engineer of an inbound Scituate to Boston train had to put the train into “emergency” when he rounded a bend at approximately 30 MPH and observed a female lying across the tracks hundreds of feet away.

On arrival, officers and paramedics entered the right of way and made it to the victim, who was being helped by personnel from the train. Officers and paramedics contacted the female, who was identified as a Cohasset resident. She reported that she was suicidal and wanted to end her life.

She was brought to a nearby ambulance and subsequently taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Chief William Quigley of the Cohasset police stated, “We are so grateful that the MBTA/Keolis engineer, and conductor, were well trained and quick acting. Their fast actions absolutely saved a life today.”. Quigley said, “If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”.

There were approximately 10 passengers on the Scituate to Boston train, and service on the Greenbush line was shut down for about 30 minutes.