Metro responding to derailment at West Hyattsville, Expect Delays on All Lines

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From WMATA:

At approximately 4:45 p.m., an inbound Green Line train reported a derailment on approach to West Hyattsville Station. At this time, there are no reported injuries. Metro Transit Police and Prince George’s Plaza Fire Department are on the scene evacuating approximately 55 passengers from the train.

Green Line service is temporarily suspended between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza. Shuttle buses are en route.

And @WMATA tweets:

“All Metrorail trains are being slowed to 35mph in above ground territory. Expect delays on all lines as a result.”

Update from WMATA:

Investigators have determined that a misalignment of the rails, known as a “heat kink,” was a probable cause of yesterday’s derailment near West Hyattsville Station. Three cars of an inbound Green Line train derailed at approximately 4:45 p.m. as the train entered a tunnel from an outdoor section of track. There were no injuries.

Heat kinks are short sections of misaligned track caused by the expansion of metal rails in extremely high temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When the expanding rail cannot be constrained by cross-ties and ballast, the rail may expand outward from the normal track alignment.

The investigation continues, including work to identify any contributing factors.

Green Line service between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza will remain suspended throughout the day Saturday as Metro crews work to re-rail the derailed cars and repair damaged track, third rail and fasteners in the area of the incident. Track work on all other lines has been cancelled this weekend.

Update:

Green Line service between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza will remain suspended on Sunday as Metro crews continue to make repairs to a 1,000-foot section of track in the area of Friday afternoon’s derailment outside West Hyattsville Station.

The three cars involved in the derailment were re-railed on Saturday.

Free shuttle buses will continue to operate Sunday between Fort Totten, West Hyattsville and Prince George’s Plaza stations. Customers traveling through this area should allow about 30 minutes of additional travel time.