The D.C. Metro train that derailed near Arlington Cemetery station last week, causing commuter chaos in the process, had derailed twice previously that same day, The National Transportation Safety Board announced Monday.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced Sunday evening a dramatic 60% cut to its railcar fleets, saying it would run only 40 railcars beginning Monday, in response to the accident on Oct. 12, with NTSB officials warning that the incident could have been “catastrophic” at a Monday press conference.
The accident happened last week on Metro’s railcar 407 with hundreds of people on board, but no serious injuries were reported. The railcar experienced a series of minor derailments and rerailments throughout Tuesday before the final incident took it out of action, NTSB said.
The WMATA pulled its 7000-series railcars, made by Kawasaki Rail Car, on Sunday to investigate an issue with the cars’ axles. The 7000-series cars are the newest in the fleet, but NTSB expressed concerns about how the latest models are rolling on the tracks.
DC METRO PULLING 60% OF FLEET FOR BLUE LINE DERAILMENT INVESTIGATION
Following NTSB’s preliminary investigation into the Blue Line, brake parts were found scattered throughout several derailment locations. The wheels also moved outboard on the axle, thus making it difficult to properly move through switch cross points on the tracks.
The WMATA has been aware of the situation with the wheel assemblies dating back to 2017, NTSB officials said, noting there have been 31 failures in the past four years. “We were made aware of two failures in 2017, two failures in 2018 four failures in 2019, five in 2020 and 18 in 2021 so these are going up,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said.
NTSB warned transit authorities across the country that further inspections might be in order for other major cities, telling officials listening to the conference to “make sure that you’re checking your cars as well.”
Delays up to 30 minutes are expected between railcar stops on Monday. WMATA said it would provide further updates as to whether riders should expect more disruptions throughout the week.
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The Washington Examiner contacted Kawasaki Rail Car but did not immediately receive a response.
This will allow only a basic service pattern on all lines, departing about every 30 minutes. As Metro continues to work closely w/ the WMSC & NTSB and more information develops, we will update the public about service for the remainder of this week. 2/2
— Metro (@wmata) October 17, 2021
