D.C. Subway Hobbled After Smoke Filled Train, Killing 1
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- A terrifying ordeal at the DC Metro. One person is dead and dozens of others were injured after smoke filled a subway tunnel.
Rick Ritter has the latest on the investigation.
DC Metro operated on a modified and reduced schedule Tuesday.
Two passengers who were in critical condition have been upgraded to serious. Others still remain hospitalized, as well. Officials with the NTSB say what exactly caused the smoke and deadly incident is still under investigation.
It's a commuter's worst nightmare. Terrifying Youtube video showed dozens of passengers fighting for a breath of air after chaos erupted at a DC Metro station Monday afternoon as smoke billowed throughout a six car train bound for Virginia.
"People were just getting out of hand, panicking," said a witness. "You couldn't see from one end to the other on the train."
The incident happened near L'Enfant Plaza. Hundreds of passengers were trapped. Some tried to escape while others waited desperately for help.
One woman died and more than 80 others were sent to the hospital.
"People are freaking out, going everywhere," a witness said. "The conductor of the metro is telling everyone to be calm."
Now investigators believe an electrical arcing event occurred, meaning something came into contact with the high voltage third rail, which powers the yellow line train.
"The cause of the smoke---heavy smoke condition---is under investigation," said Metro General Manager Richard Sarles.
On Tuesday, it was back to business at the DC station. Some Metro riders weren't worried.
"I believe in our transportation networks and think they're reliable and safe," said Metro rider Laura Stanley.
Others, like Shirley Pigford, just missed the incident by minutes.
"It looked like big chaos. I'm just glad I wasn't in it," she said.
And says it will be hard to forget the traumatic ordeal.
"Sad is not the word. I'm just glad everyone else is okay and it is tragic she lost her life," Pigford said.
NTSB investigators say their focus right now and for the next few days is working on the six car train itself and documenting it. Metro officials say repairs are needed inside the tunnel.
The fatality was the first on Washington's Metro system since a 2009 crash killed eight passengers and a train operator.
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