Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 13, 2008

Metro Center Closed Due to Second Fire

Metro Center Metrorail station closed at 9:50 a.m. today, Friday, June 13, after a second fire at the station was reported. The mid-morning fire was reported on the tracks headed in the direction of Shady Grove about an hour after the station was closed and reopened due to a fire that was originally reported at 7:24 a.m.

In addition, Dupont Circle Metrorail station is closed due to a power outage that has affected the lengthy escalators.

The two fires were reported at different locations. The early morning fire was on the tracks in the station. The second fire is reported in the tunnel.

Riders can expect major delays on the Red Line throughout the remainder of the morning as first responders are at the scene. Delays of 60-minutes or more should be expected. Customers should avoid the Red Line if possible.

Free shuttle buses are operating from Gallery Place to Woodley Park Metrorail stations. Passengers should expect lengthy delays for the shuttle buses.

People traveling along Connecticut Avenue should consider taking the Metrobus Connecticut Lines of L1, L2, L4, L7 and L8 to get around the Red Line problem, but they too can expect delays due to the traffic signals being out.

In addition, there are power outages reported at Dupont Circle, Shaw-Howard, Farragut North, Farragut West and McPherson Square Metrorail stations due to this regional power problem. Trains are serving the stations, but those stations are on emergency lighting, so they are significantly darker than usual. Escalators, elevators and vending machines at those stations are not operating.

It is not yet known if the power problem and fires are related.

News release issued at 10:25 am, June 13, 2008.