DC Metro derailment likely caused by poor track condition

Last week’s train derailment on Washington’s Metrorail was likely caused by deteriorated rail ties on the tracks, the transit agency said Monday.

A preliminary investigation found that the rails were too far apart because of deteriorated wooden ties, leading to the derailment near the East Falls Church station on Friday.

{mosads}The investigation is still ongoing, but other possible contributing factors include car equipment, weather and temperature, the agency said in a press release.

There is no evidence of train operator error, Metro added. 

Over 450 rail ties were replaced in the area, which the agency said had not yet been addressed under Metro’s yearlong repair effort known as “SafeTrack.”

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld ordered a special supervisory inspection of all tracks to look for other conditions that might need immediate fixing.

“While Metro and the outside experts continue their review, we are requiring supervisors to conduct a specialized track inspection to look for any other similar conditions that must be immediately addressed,” Wiedefeld said.

All of the passengers on board the train were escorted to the platform and no major injuries were reported, though there was significant damage to the rail cars.

But the incident has raised questions over why the tracks weren’t already inspected for immediate safety issues and cast doubt on whether the ambitious SafeTrack project will transform the safety culture at Metro.

The derailment came one day after a Metro safety official told board members that a train operator who ran a red signal last month — nearly hitting an oncoming passenger train and two track workers — was in a rush to take his lunch break and had his radio turned off.

Wiedefeld has called for a mandatory safety meeting on Wednesday, according to NBC Washington.