WASHINGTON — A Red Line train heading for Shady Grove separated at the Twinbrook Station on Monday morning.
Metro said that the first two cars detached from the remainder of the train at the Twinbrook Station just before 9 a.m. The train’s safety systems kicked in and stopped the cars.
No one was hurt, Metro said.
Much of the train remained even with the platform and passengers were able to exit the train at the station. However two riders in the lead cars had to walk along the tracks back to the station.
Fewer than 40 riders were on the train at the time, according to Metro.
The cars were taken to the rail yard under their own power and the cause of the separation remains under investigation, Metro said.
The train was made up of Metro’s newest railcars, the 7000 Series.
In January, a Green Line train made up of older 3000 Series cars separated.
Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner said Monday after the incident that overcoming Metro’s problems is critical to the county’s future.
“From my perspective, we have to stop wringing our hands,” said Berliner, referring to incidents involving both safety and reliability. “We will see these kinds of situations–to me the question is: what’s the response to it?”
Berliner, who represents District 1 — which includes parts of Poolesville, Potomac, Bethesda, and Chevy Chase, said General Manager Paul Wiedefeld’s responses have been swift, but not always popular.
“He has put safety and reliability first.” Berliner said. “I have to tell you, I cannot imagine having a better general manager.”
WTOP listener Jeff Seldin took this video of the separated train while arriving at the Twinbrook Station.
WTOP’s Kristi King, Amanda Iacone and Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
