One worker was killed and two others were injured in a construction accident along the Metro Red Line in Washington, D.C., shortly after midnight Sunday.
The accident occurred between Union Station and Judiciary Square stations, approximately 400 feet from the Union Station platform. Contractors and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority employees were removing old sections of rail and install new sections.
Investigators said there was a fire and loud noise that originated near heavy track equipment used to weld rail sections together in a continuous strip. The cause of the fire and noise has not been determined and it is not known if there was a fluid leak or other mechanical issue.
The incident caused a 40-foot section of rail to move, striking a contractor and two WMATA employees. The contractor, identified as Harold Ingram, 41, of New Jersey, was killed. Ingram was an employee of the Holland Company.
The two WMATA employees suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. They were transported to local hospitals.
All Red Line work has been suspended until safety briefings and investigations have been completed.
Free shuttle buses will operate between Dupont Circle and NoMa-Gallaudet stations until rail service is restored. Metro said normal service will resume before the Monday morning commute.
Metro is conducting an investigation and has notified the Tri-State Oversight Committee and the National Transportation Safety Board.