Metro Red Line Derails in Washington D.C. Delaying Travelers

September 3rd, 2013 |

WASHINGTON, DC – A Metro Red Line train derailed in Washington, DC just after midnight on August 30, causing delays for passengers. The Metro Red Line is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, the agency for Metrorail, located in DC.

A Metro Red Line train derailed in Washington, DC on August 30, 2013 while it was being moved to a rail yard. The train was not carrying any passengers at the time.

The incident happened on a section of track just north of the Rhode Island Station on Rhode Island Avenue NE just after midnight on August 30, while a train was being moved to a rail yard.

Map shows location of Metro Red Line derailment just north of the Rhode Island Station on August 30, 2013 in Washington, DC.

The derailment damaged a section of track and caused delays for some passengers, who were urged by the transit authority to take the green line instead. Buses were also brought in to provide alternative transportation arrangements while the re-railing and repair operations.

Fortunately no one was hurt as a result of the mishap and there were no injuries to any railroad workers.

The cause of the derailment was not determined and remains under investigation. Officials suspect that rollers used while moving cars during maintenance operations may have played a role, but they are not sure.

Damage was caused to about 1000 feet of rail plus some other equipment involving signal cables, the third rail and other track components.

Posted by Gordon, Elias & Seely, a FELA lawyer and railroad injury lawyer blog that publishes train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States.