Object On Track Tied To Train Derailment Between Arlington, Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A Metro train derailed Friday on the tracks between Arlington and Alexandria, which serves the Blue and Yellow Lines. Early investigations indicate the derailment's cause was not related to the 7000-series trains.

Metro first reported the incident after 11 a.m. Friday at Reagan National Airport station. The derailed train temporarily suspended Blue and Yellow Line service between Potomac Yard and Reagan National Airport.

No injuries were reported, according to the transit agency. About 50 riders on the derailed train were taken by shuttle to another train.

Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said a preliminary investigation found an object on the track appeared to cause the derailment. The object is believed to be part of a preceding 3000 series train.

NBC Washington reported the train was part of the 7000 series, which was the series affected by the October 2021 derailment near Arlington National Cemetery. Crews arrived at the scene for a track inspection.

Raymond Jackson, the president of the ATU Local 689 union representing Metro workers, released a statement calling for an investigation into the derailment.

"We are monitoring the situation and our thanks go out to the first responders and those on scene who acted quickly and decisively," said Jackson. "We are grateful there have been no reported injuries at this time. Local 689 calls for a thorough investigation and the implementation of safety measures to prevent future derailments."

As of 12:49 p.m. Friday, train service was running with single tracking between Reagan National Airport and Potomac Yard. The Blue and Yellow Line service is running every 24 minutes, and additional trains are running every 12 minutes between Largo and Arlington National Cemetery.