Green Line's B branch to remain shut at least through rush hour

(George Rizer/Globe Staff)

By Globe Staff

Shuttle bus service is expected to continue on the Green Line's B branch through the evening rush hour today as workers undertake repairs to the damage caused when a trolley derailed overnight and caught fire, the MBTA said.

Officials are hoping trolley service can resume tomorrow morning, said MBTA spokeswoman Lydia Rivera.

The trolley had roughly 30 passengers on board at 1:30 a.m. when it derailed at Chestnut Hill station, hit a pole, and damaged overhead wires, Rivera said. None of the riders were hurt, but the crash caused some significant damage to the trolley and the track, Rivera said.

Robert Katz, who lives a block away from the accident, could see the smoke from his window at about 2 a.m. this morning.

“I saw the thing burning before the fire department got there,” he said. “It looked like there was just people milling around, nobody running or screaming."

Riders are being bused on the B branch between Boston College and Washington Street stations.

Rivera suggested that riders allow a little more time for their commutes.

She said an investigation would determine how the accident happened, but "right now, we're just trying to bring our service back to normal."

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