Executive Summary
- Governor Healey confirms a fatal snowplow accident at the Norwood Central MBTA lot.
- A 51-year-old woman was killed and her husband injured by a reversing contractor vehicle.
- The storm response involves 3,000 pieces of equipment and ongoing cleanup efforts.
- Officials warn drivers of black ice and emphasize the need to clear vehicles of snow.
BOSTON — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey addressed the commonwealth on Monday regarding the ongoing response to a severe winter storm, confirming a fatal incident involving a snowplow at an MBTA station that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old woman. Speaking from Boston, the Governor described the event as “heartbreaking” while updating the public on snow removal operations and infrastructure status following the accumulation of more than a foot of snow.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Norwood Central MBTA parking lot. MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan stated that the woman and her 47-year-old husband were walking through the lot when they were struck by a Ford F-350. The vehicle, operated by a 33-year-old male employee of a private company contracted for snow removal, was reportedly reversing at the time of the collision.
The female victim was pronounced dead due to her injuries. Her husband was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. “I’ve spoken with her husband. It’s just devastating,” Governor Healey said during the briefing. “It is heartbreaking and my heart goes out to their family.”
Superintendent Sullivan noted that the driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with law enforcement. At the time of the press conference, no charges had been announced, though officials confirmed the matter remains under active investigation.
Beyond the tragic incident, state officials provided updates on the broader storm response. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) reported deploying approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment to clear roadways. As of Monday afternoon, roughly 300 homes were experiencing power outages, a number Governor Healey characterized as typical for daily operations. State Registry of Motor Vehicles offices remained closed Monday, with executive branch agencies scheduled to reopen Tuesday.
MassDOT Deputy Secretary Jonathan Gulliver issued warnings regarding post-storm conditions, specifically advising drivers to be vigilant for black ice caused by the melt-and-refreeze cycle. “Drivers should take the time to clear off their cars before they get on the road. That’s a safety issue both for themselves and others,” Gulliver stated. Governor Healey reiterated the request for residents to stay off roads to allow crews to complete cleanup operations efficiently.
Public Safety & Operational Oversight
This incident highlights the critical safety intersection between pedestrian traffic and heavy machinery during severe weather events. In the context of municipal and contracted snow removal, standard operating procedures prioritize visibility protocols and the separation of pedestrian zones from active clearing areas. As the investigation proceeds, inquiries will likely focus on the adherence to these safety standards by contracted entities operating in public transit hubs. The event serves as a stark reminder of the heightened risk factors present in parking areas during active storm remediation.
