Train wreck
courtesy of Cian Ginty

Update 3, 7:38pm: A statement from Metro says, “It is expected that Green Line service in this section will remain suspended for the remainder of the service day, and possibly throughout the weekend, as crews make track repairs”. NBC Washington is reporting that Metro is looking at a portion of the track that may have been distorted due to a heat kink in the rail.

Update 2, 6:05pm: Metro has cancelled all weekend track work.

Update 1, 5:44pm: Metro has imposed a 35mph speed limit for all above ground tracks as a safety precaution.

 

At 4:45pm this afternoon, a green line train on approach to the West Hyattsville station in Prince George’s County derailed.  Metro released a statement at 5:25pm with the following information:

At approximately 4:45 p.m., an inbound Green Line train reported a derailment on approach to West Hyattsville Station.  At this time, there are no reported injuries.  Metro Transit Police and Prince George’s Plaza Fire Department are on the scene evacuating approximately 55 passengers from the train.

Green Line service is temporarily suspended between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza.  Shuttle buses are en route.

According to the Prince George’s County Fire Department PIO’s office, 55 passengers on the train were assisted out through a fan shaft exit at 29th Avenue and Ager Road in Hyattsville, just north of the station.  The Fire Department reports at this time that there were no injuries, and that the 3 cars that were derailed were at the end of the train.

WMATA has provided no estimate for the return of service between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza at this time, but I would have to think that the tracks could be blocked through the rest of the day. The beleaguered transit agency already has maintenance planned for the Green and Yellow Line through that portion of the system this weekend, single-tracking due to tie and fastener maintenance, as well as power improvements.