California Light-Rail Train Operator Allegedly Falls Asleep at Controls, Causing Violent Jolt That Injures Passengers
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — A California light-rail train operator is under investigation after allegedly falling asleep at the controls while piloting a crowded train through the Sunset Tunnel, leading to a violent jolt that injured passengers when the train exited into daylight.
According to surveillance footage shared online, the woman—who appeared to be wearing large false eyelashes—was seen struggling to stay awake as the train traveled through the tunnel. Her head was shown tipping back, her eyes closing repeatedly, and at one point, she appeared to lose control of the vehicle entirely.
Incident Inside the Sunset Tunnel
Authorities say the incident occurred earlier this week on a San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) light-rail line, one of the city’s busiest transit routes. The train, carrying dozens of passengers, reportedly reached speeds of up to 50 mph inside the tunnel — significantly faster than usual for that stretch.
Passengers, unaware that the driver had fallen asleep, were suddenly thrown from their seats when the train jolted violently upon exiting the tunnel, slamming against the walls as it re-entered daylight.
“It felt like we hit something or went off-track,” one passenger told local outlets. “Everyone was shouting — people fell forward and hit the poles.”
No fatalities were reported, but several passengers sustained minor injuries, and the operator herself appeared disoriented when the train came to a stop.
Investigation and Possible Negligence
Transit officials have confirmed that the incident is under internal investigation, with safety teams reviewing onboard video footage and driver logs to determine the cause.
“We are aware of the footage circulating online and are conducting a full investigation,” an SFMTA spokesperson said. “Safety is our top priority. The operator involved has been placed on administrative leave pending review.”
Authorities are also examining whether fatigue, distraction, or negligence played a role — as well as whether the operator may have violated rest period or alertness protocols.
NEW: California light-rail train driver with huge false eyelashes falls asleep at the controls
The woman allegedly fell asleep while piloting a crowded train through the Sunset Tunnel
Surveillance footage showed her head tipping back, eyes drooping, and struggling to stay awake… pic.twitter.com/3jRdtNn8Om
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) November 11, 2025
Public Reaction and Accountability Concerns
The footage quickly spread on social media, with many users criticizing the transit agency for alleged lapses in safety oversight. Some called for stricter fatigue monitoring and accountability for train operators.
“Public transit safety shouldn’t depend on luck,” one commenter wrote. “If someone’s too tired to operate, they shouldn’t be driving a full train.”
Others expressed concern that the operator’s personal grooming — including the “huge false eyelashes” highlighted in viral posts — may have obstructed her vision or contributed to distraction.
Transit Agency Response and Safety Measures
The SFMTA said it routinely screens drivers for fatigue and impairment but will reassess internal procedures following the incident.
Officials emphasized that the train’s automatic braking and monitoring systems prevented what could have been a more serious crash.
“Our equipment worked as designed to slow the train and prevent derailment,” the agency added.
As of Wednesday, the operator’s identity has not been publicly released. Authorities say the final report will determine whether disciplinary action or criminal charges for endangering passengers will be pursued.
Stay tuned for verified updates on this developing transit safety story at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.