Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 19, 2009

Empty train derails at Mt. Vernon Sq/Convention Center Metrorail Station

Officials investigating cause of incident

A train without passengers on board derailed in the pocket track of the Mt. Vernon Sq/Convention Center Metrorail station today, Thursday, Feb. 19, adjacent to the main tracks at about 6:15 p.m. A pocket track is an area where trains can reverse to head in the opposite direction.

The six-car train had just finished dropping off passengers at the station when it headed into the tunnel to reverse and head back downtown during rush hour when the incident took place.

Trains single-tracked (took turns sharing one track) from Mt. Vernon Sq/Convention Center Metrorail station to U Street-Cardozo Metrorail stations on the Yellow and Green Lines throughout the remainder of the evening. Riders experienced major delays during rush hour Thursday evening.

Metro officials are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.

News release issued at 10:12 pm, February 19, 2009.