The MBTA is calling it a horrible tragedy this week, as an 18-year veteran bus driver was run over early on Monday morning by another vehicle while walking to his assigned bus in the Charlestown Bus Yard.
According to MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, Bernadin Etienne was struck around 6 a.m. on Monday in a tragic accident in the yard of the Bus Garage on Arlington Street. He said Etienne was a dedicated, hard-working employee of the MBTA for 18 years.
Though it wasn’t mentioned, information pointed to the fact that another bus driver hit Etienne while exiting the Yard.
“Safety is a top priority at the MBTA, and something we strive for individually and as an organization each day,” said Poftak in a letter. “A thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the accident is currently being conducted. While we wait to learn its findings, I ask you keep Bernadin and his family in your hearts. It is hard when we lose one of our own.”
Jim Evers, president of the Boston Carmen’s Union, said Etienne was a long-time member of the Union and they miss him dearly in the ranks.
“Monday morning, the Boston Carmen’s Union lost a long-time member of our Union and MBTA family,” said Evers. “This was a tragic accident, our condolences are with the family and friends of Bernadin Etienne during this difficult time. As always, the Union remains focused on supporting our members and Bernadin’s family. We will work with the MBTA to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, until that investigation is complete we will have no further comment. We ask that the public respect his family’s privacy.”
Monday morning, at the MBTA/MassDOT meeting, Poftak also addressed the tragedy, saying the Boston Police and Transit Police are investigating what looks to be a horrible accident.
“Obviously it’s a tragic, tragic day at the MBTA and an event that weighs heavily on us,” he said.