Watch a San Francisco train speed out of a tunnel at 50 MPH as the driver is said to have fallen asleep | Carscoops

      An investigation determined that the incident occurred due to "operator fatigue," contrary to what the driver had told the passengers.

      The driver is said to have fallen asleep just before entering the Sunset Tunnel.

      Video footage from onboard shows the train accelerating to 50 mph prior to a sharp turn.

      Fortunately, the train did not derail, and there were no injuries reported during this alarming event.

      We've all experienced that sudden wave of tiredness that hits during a shift, making our eyelids feel heavier than ever. While most of us might reach for a cup of coffee or try to stretch it out, one light-rail operator in San Francisco found herself in a dire situation.

      In September, the operator of a light-rail train in San Francisco appeared to be affected by drowsiness, prompting her to briefly fall asleep while passing through a tunnel, an issue serious enough to prompt a state-level investigation.

      What Happened

      Recently released footage captures the female train operator seemingly dozing off while the train paused at a stop on the N Judah Muni Metro light rail line. Moments later, she awakens and slowly drives the train into the Sunset Tunnel.

      As the train enters the tunnel, cockpit footage reveals the driver leaning back and apparently closing her eyes, even as the train gains speed. When it exits the tunnel, the speed hits 50 mph (80 km/h), navigating a right-hand curve purely by chance without derailing.

      Passengers were jolted around the cabins as the driver was startled awake and sped past the stop at Duboce Ave. and Noe Street.

      Following the incident, the driver informed passengers that she couldn't stop the train, claiming that the emergency brake was nonfunctional.

      However, a preliminary investigation conducted shortly after found no faults with the train, concluding that the near-collision resulted from “operator fatigue.”

      Thankfully, no injuries occurred among those on board. The train operator has stated that it will enhance training to recognize signs of fatigue to prevent similar events in the future.

      Moreover, they aim to collaborate with manufacturers or software firms that might be able to limit train speeds in specific areas.

      “Safety is always our primary focus,” said Julie Kirschbaum, director of the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency, to KQED. “We are dedicated to accountability in response to this unacceptable incident and are taking all necessary measures to ensure Muni remains safe and dependable for all riders and the public.”