Human error possible cause of Metro derailment

WASHINGTON – Human error may be to blame for Tuesday’s derailment of a Metro train at the Rosslyn station.

WTOP has reported investigators are looking into a possible switching problem. The derailment occurred near a track switch that determines whether trains follow the Blue Line or the Orange Line.

Sources close to the investigation also tell The Washington Post that it’s possible a clamp to hold the switch in position may not have been properly applied.

Two Metro workers have been put on paid administrative leave as the transit agency looks into the incident.

Even though about 1,000 people were aboard the train, no one was hurt in the derailment.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up