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Metro Delayed After Overnight Collision of 2 Out-of-Service Trains

What to Know

  • Two out-of-service trains collided between the Foggy Bottom and Farragut West stations just before 1 a.m.
  • Both trains' operators sustained minor injuries and were taken for medical treatment
  • There were no passengers aboard either train

Metro riders experienced significant delays Monday on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines after two out-of-service trains collided overnight between the Foggy Bottom and Farragut West stations in downtown D.C.

The collision happened shortly before 1 a.m. as two six-car trains were being moved to their respective rail yards, Metro said. The trains were headed in the same direction on the same track when one rear-ended the other.

In audio obtained by News4 transportation reporter Adam Tuss, one train operator told Metro's control center that it felt like "something ran into the back of me."

Riders expressed frustration over the delays, which Metro warned could be "significant." Reduced service continued through closing Monday on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines as follows:

  • Blue & Orange lines: Trains are running about every 15 minutes, including during rush hour, with single-tracking between Farragut West and McPherson Square.
  • Silver Line: Trains are running about every 15 minutes between Wiehle and Ballston only. Transfer to/from the Orange Line to continue your trip.

It's not yet clear if delays will continue Tuesday morning.

Both trains' operators sustained minor injuries and were taken for medical treatment. They were released from the hospital Monday morning.

There were no passengers aboard either train at the time of the collision.

Metro is assessing damage to the cars but said there was no damage to tunnel infrastructure reported. All cars remained on the tracks. 

Nearly 24 hours later, Metro's investigation into the crash was still ongoing, and so were riders' struggles. They faced crowded platforms and trains, delays and even trains that were bypassing stations.

"I didn't expect a train to pass me by," said one rider, who added that she was glad she was retired and didn't have to worry about making it to work.

Unlike many passengers, another woman had a big smile on her face. "I'm on time," she said, noting that her delay was only about two minutes.

Other commuters took to Twitter to express their frustration and confusion. Some were stymied by the Silver Line, which is only running along a stretch from Ballston to Reston, while others complained about the seeming lack of eight-car trains during the morning rush.

https://twitter.com/nora_sullivan/status/1181178741046890496

The transit agency is investigating to determine the cause of the collision, including analyzing event recorders and inspecting railcar and signal systems, Metro said. The train operators were interviewed by investigators and had routine drug and alcohol testing conducted.

Metro also notified the Metropolitan Washington Safety Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she had been briefed on the situation.

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