Local

‘Thank you for saving our girl’: First responders applauded for saving woman crushed by MBTA train

BOSTON — A 20-year-old college student who was trapped underneath a departing MBTA Green Line trolley is receiving an outpouring of support following the horrific accident. It happened around 11:40 p.m. Friday at the BU Central Stop.

20-year-old Ava Harlow of Amesbury had just gotten off the train and somehow fell under it before it began moving again.

One GoFundMe page, created by four longtime friends of Harlow’s mother, has already raised more than $18,000.

Fundraiser by Maria Wilkins : Ava Harlow Recovery Fund - Calling all Angels! (gofundme.com)

Another GoFundMe page, created by Harlow’s childhood friends and classmates, has already raised more than $34,000.

Fundraiser by Sadie Kermelewicz : Please donate to help Ava and her family! (gofundme.com)

Family and friends said all of the support is going to help Harlow in a long, agonizing recovery.

The Bridgewater State student remains in the ICU at Beth Israel Hospital with injuries that include a fractured skull, a crushed pelvis and a leg that had to be amputated below the knee.

Harlow, who was an avid athlete during her high school years in Amesbury, is expected to need multiple surgeries and a prosthetic.

“Everyone is saying, what can I do. How can I help? It’s overwhelming,” said family friend Maria Wilkins. “She’s not going to be better next week. She’s not going to be better next month. We need to think long term of what her needs are going to be.”

Wilkins helped organize one of the GoFundMe pages and has known Harlow since she was born.

She said Harlow is a fighter and is optimistic about the future despite her excruciating pain.

She told Boston 25 News that Harlow as well as her family and friends are grateful to the first responders involved in the technical rescue.

“I’ve been contacted through the GoFundMe by some of the Boston Fire that were on the scene. Thank you for saving our girl. I can’t thank you enough,” said Wilkins.

MBTA Transit Police said the accident “does not appear to be the result of any mechanical or MBTA employee failure.”

It remains under investigation by MBTA Transit Police detectives.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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