'We didn’t crash, relax': US train driver falls asleep at wheel, accelerates & almost crashes into car

A morning rush-hour ride aboard a train in San Francisco turned chaotic when the operator appeared to fall asleep at the controls, causing the train to accelerate to around 80km/h and jolt passengers violently, reported U.S. media.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) says fatigue, not mechanical failure, was to blame, according to CBS News.

The incident

The incident occurred on Sep. 24 at around 8:37 am as the train headed downtown.

😳 A San Francisco Muni driver appeared to fall asleep while controlling a train... and nearly caused it to derail. https://t.co/SpCOvyMNnq pic.twitter.com/lW4v64ZZyl

— TMZ (@TMZ) November 11, 2025

A video, released by the SFMTA, showed the operator with her head leaned back and eyes closed.

As the train exited the tunnel, it began to gain speed and several passengers were thrown off balance.

Some were seen falling to the floor.

Commuters could be heard screaming in shock and yelling that they wanted to get off, as the carriage swayed sharply.

The driver was later seen frantically trying to get the train to stop as it barrelled past waiting commuters.

It lurched through a curve at around 80 km/h and narrowly missed an oncoming car before finally coming to a halt.

In the clip, after the train had stabilised, the driver could be heard saying:

“It wouldn't stop, it wouldn't stop. I’m sorry, relax, relax, relax. We didn’t crash, relax.”

She also blamed the emergency brake for not working, but a subsequent investigation revealed that it was fully functional.

Official response

The operator has since been removed from driving duties, according to ABC 7 News.

The agency said it is working with manufacturer Siemens to develop software that limits train speeds at specific locations.

It also plans to reinforce protocols to address operator fatigue.

The director of SFMTA assured riders that they understand the experience was frightening and that they are taking the matter seriously, reported CBS News.

“Safety is always our top priority. We are committed to accountability in response to this specific unacceptable incident and we are taking all necessary steps to keep Muni safe and reliable for all riders and the public."

Top images via TheProjectTV/Youtube