Trains Collide Near Union Station

A freight train and a MARC passenger train collided outside Union Station, but neither train had passengers and no one was seriously injured.

The trains "bumped" shortly after 9 a.m. Friday but did not overturn, D.C. fire department spokesman Pete Piringer said.

People in the area said they heard a loud bang and could feel vibrations from the collision, NBC Washington's Tracee Wilkins reported.

Seven Amtrak employees and one person on a private car were taken to area hospitals as a precaution. Their injuries did not appear to be serious, Piringer said. Three have been released.

Train service was temporarily suspended but has been restored. However commuters can expect delays through the day as tracks remain blocked. Those taking trains through the area during the evening commute can expect 1 to 2 hour delays, an Amtrak spokesperson said. VRE riders can expect 30-minute delays.

When the accident occurred, the MARC train was being moved into standby position for afternoon service after it completed its morning run. It's unclear why the other train was on the same line and why the trains couldn't be stopped to avoid collision.


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