Metro to conduct simulated derailment exercise on Sunday

This weekend, Metro will conduct a simulated derailment drill with a host of public safety workers, weeks after a subway train ran off the rails near the East Falls Church station.

“The exercise, which will take place on the elevated track approaching the Pentagon station over the Potomac River, will allow emergency responders to test their capabilities on the aerial structure in coordination with water rescue teams,” Metro said in press release.

“In addition, the drill will simulate real-world conditions to test coordination and communication between on-scene responders, Metrorail operations staff, Metro Transit Police and support personnel.”

The drill will take place Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Yellow Line service between the L’Enfant Plaza and Pentagon stations will be suspended during the exercise.

Metro officials say commuters should plan to use Blue Line trains from L’Enfant or Metro Center. Metrobuses will operate on their normal schedule.

First responders from the Arlington County Fire Department, D.C. Fire and EMS, the Alexandria Fire Department, the U.S. Park Police, the U.S. Park Service, Prince George’s County Fire Department, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department will participate in the drill.

Metro reports more than 100 emergency officials and volunteers are expected to attend.

A similar drill was conducted June 26 at the Greensboro Metrorail Station. During that exercise, safety officials practiced evacuating a train in a simulated fire and smoke emergency. Officials say emergency drills with local first responders are conducted on a quarterly basis.

The news of Sunday’s exercise comes after Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld announced on Aug. 18 that an investigation into the East Falls Church derailment has been expanded to include the help of Metro Transit Police.

“The administrative review uncovered information that warrants further investigation by Metro Transit Police,” Mr. Wiedefeld said in a statement. “While Safety Department investigations determine cause and accountability, it is even more important to understand if other issues must be addressed with the way track inspections and maintenance have been conducted.”

No serious injuries were reported in the July derailment. In the days immediately following it, Metro officials said a preliminary investigation discovered deteriorated wooden ties allowed the track to widen, causing the train to derail.

For Sunday’s simulation, Metro urges commuters to plan extra time and expect delays. When the simulation is complete and regular service resumes, the transit agency will update commuters via MetroAlerts.