Seconds after a crowded commuter train pulled out of a D.C. Metro station Thursday a track fire ignited, sending an explosion of sparks flying onto the platform and prompting officials to close down two stations.
Federal Center SW DC Metro Station this morning. 2nd incident this afternoon forced station to be closed pic.twitter.com/jZ9aPuXaUf
— Tony Capra (@tcapra) May 5, 2016
An arcing insulator caused the flash of sparks at the Federal Center Metro station leading to officials closing the station, as well as Eastern Market station, reports The Washington Post. Officials temporarily suspended service between Eastern Market and L’Enfant Plaza stations for the remainder of Thursday evening to conduct the necessary saftey repairs. (RELATED: Fire Incident Shuts Down DC Metro Stations, Causes Massive Delays)
Metro crews restored service for Friday’s commute, replacing a third rail insulator with new equipment. The closure caused major delays throughout the Metro system, stranding passengers on crowded platforms.
@unsuckdcmetro on top of already packed L’Enfant Plaza, train is going wrong way on westbound track and offloading pic.twitter.com/oPq5OLl7yr
— Philip Anderson (@RoanokePhil) May 5, 2016
Metro officials will unveil a comprehensive maintenance plan Friday morning to address increasing saftey threats such as track fires.
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