Remembering – Victims of 2009 Metro Crash

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From a press release:

Today, on the third anniversary of the worst rail accident in the District’s history, Mayor Vincent C. Gray fulfilled a promise made last year to the families of the victims of the 2009 Metro crash by unveiling a bronze memorial plaque in honor of their loved ones.

The plaque is located on the New Hampshire Avenue/Charles Langley Bridge, above the approximate location of the accident, which claimed the lives of nine victims and left 80 passengers injured.

“Today we unveil a memorial plaque that will serve as an everlasting testament to these nine members of our community,” said Mayor Gray. “They left us too soon, but we will forever remember what happened here. We will remember the fallen and find joy in their lives and the ways in which they enriched the world around them.”

Many family representatives of victims Jeanice McMillian, the train operator; Mary “Mandy” Doolittle; Veronica Dubose; Ana Fernandez; Dennis Hawkins; Lavonda “Nikki” King; Cameron Williams; Ann Wherley and her husband, Major General David Wherley, met with District officials on the design of the plaque and plans for a proposed memorial park and garden.

In addition to many of the victims’ family members, Mayor Gray was joined at the unveiling by Deborah A.P. Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; dozens of first responders from D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services and the Metropolitan Police Department; and other public safety officials who rushed to the scene from neighboring jurisdictions.

“Our public safety officials rescued, triaged, treated and transported the injured within the first two hours of the incident. They guided the public, calmed surviving victims and kept their families informed,” Mayor Gray said. “In short, their heroism was on display that day, and I extend my thanks and appreciation for the professionalism and bravery they bring to their jobs every day.”

Photo courtesy of Mayor Gray’s office