For the past 20 minutes, WTOP had been announcing that there are "major" delays on the Red Line at Bethesda and trains are single tracking between Friendship Heights and Medical Center. Just a few minutes ago, they announced that at least one and possibly two trains derailed at Bethesda as a result of some type of brake problem (don't you love media descriptions?). I'm sure someone will post additional details as they become available. As of now, there is nothing on the website aside from a delay announcement in the lower left hand corner of the page where it would usually appear. No eAlert as of yet.
First yesterday 2 Buses and a MARC train were hit today a Metro subway train derailed, Hmm i wonder what will happen tomorow?
OK. Here what likely happened.
At around 1630 the last truck on the last car of the 6 cars train #125 heading to Glenmont on track A1 derailed between Bethesda and Friendship Heights. The operator aboard train #125 reported brake problems not knowing that his train couldn't move because it had derailed. A second train #204 was sent in behind to move the disabled train #125. Before arriving behind #125, train #204 derailed approximately 300' to 400' short of train #125. A third train was backed up to the front of train #125 to remove the passengers aboard train #125.
Both derailments were caused by a broken rail.
WMATA Press release (http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2521)
Media reports:
Two Metro trains derail; no serious injuries (http://wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1635259)
wtop.com
March 27, 2009 - 6:58pm
Two Red Line Trains Derail Near Bethesda Station (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/27/AR2009032702630.html?hpid=topnews)
Repairs to Damaged Track Likely to Take Until Monday; No Injuries Reported
By Lena H. Sun and Michael Birnbaum
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, March 27, 2009; 8:46 PM
What a way to celebrate a birthday!! Sounds like a lot of people will have hangovers after this one....