It was an intense show for ABC World News Tonight viewers as host David Muir halted the show for some terrifying breaking news that caused a divide among fans.
From a harrowing cargo plane crash in Azerbaijan to an update on the Texas flash floods that occurred earlier this year, the show was jam-packed with breaking news and developments, but it was a story about a runaway train that really got viewers talking.
Addressing viewers at home, David, 52, began, “Startling images that appear to show the operator of a packed commuter train in San Francisco falling asleep at the controls,” before handing over to his colleague, Melissa Adan.
The ABC reporter then began her segment, saying, “Harrowing moments for these passengers on a San Francisco commuter train just after 8:30am, security camera footage from September showing the operator, appearing to doze off as the train accelerates down the tracks. A clip showed the operator seemingly falling asleep at the controls of the train as the passengers scrambled to keep their balance.
Melissa continued, “That train exiting the Sunset Tunnel nearing 50 miles per hour, passengers unaware of what was happening, suddenly thrown side to side in the car.
“The driver, apparently shaken awake, frantically trying to stop, but that train kept going, speeding past a stop with waiting commuters barreling into that curve, nearly hitting an oncoming car before finally coming to a stop. That driver, appearing to blame the incident on malfunctioning equipment,” the reporter went on.
Melissa concluded, “But tonight the city’s transit officials confirming the cause was, quote, ‘operator fatigue.’ David, one person said they suffer a concussion, and officials say that driver was pulled from operating trains.”
A clip of the breaking news segment was shared on ABC World News Tonight’s Instagram account along with the caption, “Shocking video appears to show a San Francisco commuter train operator fall asleep at the controls while the train was traveling up to 50 mph, throwing passengers back and forth, and nearly hitting an oncoming car. Melissa Adan has details.”
Fans were quick to weigh in on the news story, with one user commenting, “Sorry to say , but it’s her responsibility to make sure she’s well rested for her job, the lives of innocent passengers are literally in her hands while riding that train daily.”
As another argued, “She most likely a great person and made a huge mistake but unfortunately it’s [unacceptable]. Maybe put her behind a desk job so she keeps her pension but she can’t be behind the wheel.”
“People dont just suddenly fall asleep for reason. I hope shes ok,” a third pointed out as a fourth user shared, “Thank God they made it through safe.. hopefully they give baby girl something else to do instead of just take her job.”
While someone else fumed, “Pulled not fired??? Her response to the passengers afterwards was insensitive especially knowing it was her fault,” and a sixth agreed, adding, “If you drive for a living, it’s your responsibility to get enough sleep so you don’t put people at risk.”
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