Reports of smoke leads to Metro station evacuation in Virginia

If the regional money that has now been shifted to Metro were only used to cover smaller requests, it could cover the regional share of multiple projects such as overpasses and interchanges, bus improvements, a parking garage, or bike routes. (WTOP/Amanda Iacone)

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Reports of smoke caused the evacuation of a Metro station in Virginia and a service disruption on the system’s Orange and Silver lines during Thursday morning’s rush hour.

Arlington Fire Department officials said on Twitter that they evacuated the Virginia Square station after smoke was reported in the train tunnel.

Metro said the initial report came from a customer on the train, but after a thorough investigation, “no issues or cause of smoke” were found.

The incident resulted in suspension of service on the Orange and Silver lines between the Ballston and Clarendon stops.

Metro said service was restored shortly before 8 a.m.

No injuries were immediately reported.

Metro has been plagued with smoke problems in recent years. In 2015, one person died and others were injured when a train stalled in a tunnel in the District of Columbia and filled with smoke.