Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 27, 2009

Red Line trains derail near Bethesda Metrorail station

Red Line riders can expect major delays

Customers on the Red Line can expect major delays throughout the night because of a train derailment outside of the Bethesda Metrorail station. Red Line trains are taking turns sharing one track between the Friendship Heights and Medical Center Metrorail stations.

A six-car inbound train (train #125) heading toward the Glenmont Metrorail station had a mechanical problem and was stopped between the Bethesda and Friendship Heights Metrorail stations. When a second train (train #204) was brought in to move the disabled train out of the station, Metro discovered that the rear wheels on the last car of train 125 had popped off the tracks. During the rescue process, the first car of train 204 came off the tracks.

Approximately 84 passengers on board train 125 are in the process of being moved to safety. There were no passengers on train 204. There are no reports of injuries at this time.

Shuttle buses have been requested to supplement the Red Line service. The free shuttle buses will stop at Friendship Heights, Bethesda and Medical Center. Customers should keep in mind that a full train can carry 800 to 1,000 people, but a full bus carries only about 50 people.

Red Line customers can expect crowded conditions throughout the evening as a result of the incident.

News release issued at 5:50 pm, March 27, 2009.