For immediate release: October 7, 2019

Metro investigating overnight train incident at Farragut West; Expect significant delays on Orange, Silver, Blue lines

Metro is investigating an overnight rear-end collision involving two out-of-service trains that were in the process of being moved to their respective rail yards. The incident occurred at approximately 12:54 a.m. between Foggy Bottom and Farragut West stations. The trains, each comprised of six 3000-series cars, were traveling in the same direction (eastbound) on the same track. There were no passengers aboard either train. Both train operators (one per train) requested medical assistance for non-life-threatening injuries. All railcars remained on the tracks, and there was no reported damage to tunnel infrastructure. An assessment of railcar damage is pending.

Metro has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident, including analysis of event recorders and inspections of railcar and signal systems. In addition, Metro notified the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board as required.

While Metro will work to restore normal service as quickly as possible, conducting a thorough on-scene safety investigation is the first priority. Customers on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines will encounter significant delays for the entire day, Monday, October 7. Metro is strongly encouraging customers on these lines to consider using alternate travel modes today to avoid delays.

  • Orange Line: Trains will operate about every 15 minutes, even at rush hour, with single tracking between Farragut West and McPherson Square. Significant crowding is likely during rush hour.
  • Blue Line: Trains will operate about every 15 minutes, even at rush hour, with single tracking between Farragut West and McPherson Square. Significant crowding is likely during rush hour.
  • Silver Line: Trains will operate about every 15 minutes between Wiehle-Reston East and Ballston ONLY. Customers will need to transfer to/from Orange Line trains at Ballston to continue their trip.

Metro will honor its “Rush Hour Promise” for delays during the AM commute. However, Rush Hour Promise will be temporarily suspended on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines during the PM rush hour.