Robinson Lalin tragically met his demise in 2022 due to a horrifying incident where his arm got caught in the doors of a Red Line train. The incident occurred at Broadway Station, where Lalin was dragged to his death after the doors of the train closed on him as he tried to exit. The family of the deceased man recently reached a settlement with the MBTA, receiving $5 million in compensation, as stated in court documents. Lalin’s passing on April 10, 2022, at the age of 39, left a deep scar on his loved ones.
The unfortunate event took place around 12:30 a.m. inside Broadway Station, where witnesses watched in horror as Lalin desperately tried to free himself from the doors as the train started moving. Despite his efforts to get the attention of the operator by banging on the train and shouting, his attempts were in vain. The train continued on its path, and Lalin collided with a platform wall before his body was found 75 feet inside the tunnel, with his hand severed. The family’s lawsuit against the MBTA highlighted the intense pain and suffering Lalin endured before his passing, holding the transit authority responsible for the tragic incident.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that a malfunction in the doors, caused by a short circuit, led to the accident. The safety mechanism meant to prevent the train from moving with open doors failed due to the short circuit. Furthermore, the operator’s limited visibility, with a 19-foot blind spot on the camera monitor, hindered her ability to see where Lalin was trapped. The NTSB also pointed out the operator’s failure to adhere to safety protocols, further exacerbating the situation. The findings shed light on the systemic issues within the MBTA, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and operational protocols.
The tragic incident involving Robinson Lalin shed light on the longstanding challenges faced by the MBTA, including delays in the replacement of aging infrastructure. The Red Line car involved in the accident was part of a fleet introduced in 1969, with plans for replacement by 1994. However, delays in the manufacturing process led to the continued operation of older models, posing risks to passengers’ safety. Despite the introduction of new Red Line cars, the presence of outdated models remains a concern for transit authorities and passengers alike.
In the aftermath of Lalin’s untimely death, his nephew Kelvin took a stand by setting up a memorial at Broadway Station, calling out the MBTA for their role in the tragedy. With a sign that read “the MBTA slaughtered my uncle 4/10/22 Safety over profits!!!”, Kelvin sought justice for his late uncle, demanding accountability from the transit authority. The settlement reached with Lalin’s family serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in public transportation systems, urging authorities to address underlying issues to prevent similar incidents in the future.
