Rush-Hour Train Crash Results In Deaths In Washington, DC

06.23.09 | FL News Team

The evening rush hour took a tragic turn in Washington, DC, Monday afternoon when two Metrorail trains collided. Nine people were killed and about 70 were hurt. Metro General Manager John Catoe said preliminary indications show one train was stopped awaiting a green light, when the second train rammed into it from behind. The operator of the second train is among those killed. The accident, which happened around 5 p.m. Eastern time, resulted in one train on top of the other, twisted by the force of the crash.

 

Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty said it's the deadliest crash in the history of the Metrorail transit system and called it, quote, "an unbelievable tragedy." Firefighters went car-by-car to check for victims of the accident. Crews were on the scene within six minutes. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating to determine how the two trains managed to be on the same track at the same time.

 

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have offered their condolences to families and friends of those killed and injured in the crash. In a statement, the president said, quote, "Michelle and I were saddened by the terrible accident in Northeast Washington, DC." He went on to say "our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy."

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