Woman Trying To Light Cigarette Walks Into Oncoming Train In Needham

September 23, 2011 11:28 AM

MBTA police say a woman who was trying to light a cigarette walked into an oncoming commuter rail train at Needham Center station.

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Local, News, Syndicated Local

NEEDHAM (CBS) – A 44-year-old woman is recovering from a head injury and a broken clavicle bone after she walked into an oncoming train Thursday night in Needham Center.

MBTA police say Sandra Gawlik, who works across the street at the Center Cafe, was trying to light her cigarette on the platform.

Apparently Gawlik was so focused on trying to get her cigarette lit, she was unaware how close she had wandered to the tracks.

Gawlik walked right into the side of an approaching train and was knocked to the ground.

She was taken to Beth Israel Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries, which are not life-threatening.

It is against the law to smoke on MBTA property.

A violation of the policy could result in a $100 fine.

MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo says Gawlik was not cited for smoking because she was never actually able to light her cigarette.

Woman Trying To Light Cigarette Walks Into Oncoming Train In Needham

sullyinma

Thia is further proof that cigarette smoking is hazardous to your health.
jaygee

The good news is that she won’t get the $100 fine because the cigarette was never lit. I wonder if she would take the fine rather than the gigantic bump on her head? I have a feeling that this woman’s antenna doesn’t pick up all of the channels.

Joe

Lol, I’m going to use that antenna line if you don’t mind. that’s a good one!

JT

Can we fine her for stupidity? That should net at least $1000.
RB

You think this story is funny now. Just wait until she decides to sue because the Commuter Rail didn’t do enough to warn her there was a great big train.
http://www.thepeterprinciple.co.uk/this-exists-woman-walks-into-oncoming-train-while-lighting-cigarette/ This Exists: Woman Walks Into Oncoming Train While Lighting Cigarette | The Peter Principle

[...] CBS Boston: “MBTA police say Sandra Gawlik, who works across the street at the Center Cafe, was trying to [...]
Ed Ellis

Lord have mercy! That woman is VERY task oriented. And those cradles of mercy at the T! No fine because her cig wasn’t lit? They would’ve fined her, concussion,fractured collarbone and all if the cig was lit? COME ON PEOPLE!
Julie the jarhead

I just hope it didn’t cause any delays on this commuter rail line. Seriously.
Joe

DOOOOOHHHHHHAAAAAA!!!
emom

I hope that cigarett was totally worth it… I wonder if she will quit or smoke more… How many lives do humans have, cats have 9,, so just wondering…
Bob

Are they sure that was tobacco in the ‘cigarette’ ?
JohnC

She almost won a Darwin award…
jschmo

DUMMY!
geeez

Geez! Now she is double lucky this was railroad train and not the T since railroad tracks dont have that electric charged 3rd rail, and she is also very lucky she didnt walk onto the tracks instead of into the side of the train, talk about lucky, and what about if she had managed to get her foot underneath it, can you say ouch! Hey for all those picking on her, accidents DO happy we must all be thankful as im sure she is, that this story had a non fatal ending.
Jason Mannce

Heck, she best feel fortunate to be alive, train v human, train usually is a winner.