WASHINGTON — Two Red Line Metro cars uncoupled Friday afternoon, trapping more than 100 passengers for more than an hour, while D.C. Fire and EMS worked to clear the scene. No injuries were reported.
WMATA spokesperson Sherry Ly said that around 12:30 p.m. a Red Line train leaving Metro Station headed to NoMa Station had an "unplanned uncoupling" as one rail car separated from the other. Images tweeted out by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission appear to show the front two cars have detached from the rest of the train.
Ly said 108 passengers were aboard the train. Though no injuries were reported, DC Fire & EMS said two passengers were evaluated.
"WMATA decided to evacuate the train in place," DC Fire & EMS tweeted. "#DCsBravest put safety devices on the tracks & are assisting & escorting passengers to Union Station. Medical resources in place to provide any medical assistance. Evaluating 2 patients."
A small fire ignited on a crosstie, but it was quickly extinguished.
Trains were single-tracking and service was temporarily disabled between certain stations for several hours. Service returned to normal shortly before 6 p.m.
