D.C. Metro rules out power cables as factor in recent smoke incident
Passengers aboard the train described a tense atmosphere, with smoke in some of the railcars, flames visible outside the train and the odor of electrical smoke evoking memories of the Jan. 12, 2015, L’Enfant Plaza Metro station incidnet that left one rider dead and scores sickened
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (Metro) announced that while it has not yet identified the root cause of Saturday’s smoke incident outside Friendship Heights Station, investigators have eliminated power cables as a contributing factor.
Passengers aboard the train described a tense atmosphere, with smoke in some of
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the railcars, flames visible outside the train and the odor of electrical smoke evoking memories of the Jan. 12, 2015, L’Enfant Plaza Metro station incidnet that left one rider dead and scores sickened, according to the Washington Post.
As a preliminary matter, the investigation is focusing on a foreign object, specifically a metal part of a railcar, becoming dislodged and making contact with the electrified third rail. The foreign contact is believed to have caused a loud noise, flash and smoke.
Investigators have conducted inspections of all power infrastructure in the tunnel, as well as all cars of the incident train, to reach this preliminary conclusion.
At approximately 7:19 p.m., Saturday, April 23, the operator of Red Line train #107 traveling outbound reported hearing a loud boom and smoke entering the lead car.
The train consisted of eight cars: four 5000-series and four 1000-series.
The train stopped in the tunnel prior to Friendship Heights Station.
Passengers were moved into the trailing cars of the train.
The train operator was instructed to reverse direction and was given permission to move back to Tenleytown Station, where the train was offloaded.
Prior to the train being moved, an unknown passenger pulled an emergency door release, causing the train to lose "all doors closed" indication. It was confirmed that no passengers "self-evacuated" from the train. Once all doors were confirmed closed, the train was moved.
There were no injuries.
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Metro and the Federal Transit Administration continue to investigate the cause of this incident. Updates will be provided as information is developed.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.
The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.