METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

WMATA train derails in downtown D.C.

Multiple cars of a train on the Red Line crashed off the tracks near the Farragut North station. No one was hurt, but the accident startled dozens of passengers.

January 16, 2018
WMATA train derails in downtown D.C.

 

1 min to read


WASHINGTON, D.C. — Normal service resumed late Monday after a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train derailed early in the morning, forcing 63 people to walk through a tunnel for the length of two football fields and disrupting train service downtown for hours, NBC News reports.

Multiple cars of a train on the Red Line crashed off the tracks near the Farragut North station. No one was hurt, but the accident startled dozens of passengers.

Ad Loading...

Trains along the line shared a track between Judiciary Square and Farragut North for much of Tuesday morning, but just before 11 a.m., Metro announced that trains were no longer single-tracking. Residual delays were expected to continue in both directions. Local and federal investigators are working to determine what caused the train to derail, with the investigators reportedly focusing on track infrastructure. For the full story, click here.


More Security and Safety

Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffJuly 16, 2026

Metra Begins Drone Pilot Project to Boost Safety and Security

The project is funded through a $620,000 grant from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program, which provides transit agencies with funding for projects intended to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public.

Read More →
Reinventing Transit's Digital Future with Luminator's Magnus Friberg
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 13, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
APTA Celebrates Rail Industry Achievement
Security and Safetyby StaffJuly 1, 2026

APTA Recognizes Excellence in Rail Safety and Security at 2026 Rail Conference

Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Endera electric buses for California’s Mendocino Transit Authority
Technologyby StaffJune 25, 2026

Biz Briefs: Endera Delivers to California, Safety Vision Teams with San Antonio's VIA, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
AI-Powered Tools Support Safer Transit Systems
Security and SafetyJune 22, 2026

The Role of AI in Public Safety for Smart Transit Systems

As transit systems generate more data than ever, AI-powered safety tools are helping agencies detect incidents faster, improve response times and enhance situational awareness.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
LA Metro rail line.

LA Metro Sworn Officer Recruitment Draws 950 Applications on First Day

The California agency moves safety into its next phase, recruiting officers to help shape a transit-focused, community-centered force.

Read More →
FTA Family-Friendly dashboard
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 8, 2026

FTA Plans Family-Friendly Transit Scorecard for Agencies Nationwide

The family-friendly transit dashboard is part of a broader effort by the FTA and U.S. Department of Transportation to increase transparency, accountability, and service quality across the nation's public transportation systems, said officials.

Read More →
Houston METRO substation
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 5, 2026

New Public Safety Hub Opens in Downtown Houston

The substation strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement, and visitor flow converge.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →