WASHINGTON (AP) — An insulator under a rail car caught fire Thursday, forcing the evacuation of an underground Metro station when smoke filled the station.
The DC Fire and Emergency Services agency posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that nine people were evaluated for injuries and that one was transported after the incident at the Eastern Market station.
Service was suspended on parts of three Metro lines as a result of the incident.
Most recently, Metro officials were forced to suspend the majority of its railcar fleet in 2021 after a derailing revealed chronic problems with the wheels and axles.
A subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board investigation concluded that the agency had a “poor safety culture” under former chief Paul Wiedefeld — who currently serves as Maryland's Secretary of Transportation.
Persons:
Paul Wiedefeld —
Organizations:
WASHINGTON, Metro, DC, Emergency Services, Eastern, Federal Center, Armory, National Transportation Safety Board, Transportation
Locations:
Virginia, Maryland