Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 19, 2005

Smoking escalator temporarily closes Capitol South Metrorail station

Smoke inside of the Capitol South Metrorail station caused by a smoking escalator unit resulted in the temporary closure of the station this afternoon from 2:32 to 2:39 p.m. and then again from 2:43 until 3:49 p.m., at which time the smoke dissipated. Capitol South serves Metro’s Orange and Blue Lines.

Metro Transit Police, Metro’s escalator mechanics, members of Metro’s Orange and Blue Line Team, and the District of Columbia Fire Department were among those who responded to the scene.

A bearing locked up in the motor of one of the stations three escalators, but the unit’s motor was still trying to turn the steps, which caused the smoke. The bank of escalators connects the station’s mezzanine to the street.

Trains moved through the station, but did not stop to discharge passengers, as officials did not want anyone exiting a train into a station that had light smoke in it. Customers also were not permitted into the station until the smoke cleared, also to ensure that customers were not entering a smoky station.

News release issued on September 19, 2005.