UPDATE: City officials are sticking to seven confirmed dead, despite earlier news reports that nine people died. The two additional reported deaths may or may not have been due to confusion about the two critical patients — we’ll continue to monitor reports.
Nine Seven people have now been confirmed dead in yesterday’s devastating Red Line collision at Fort Totten, and rescue efforts were still ongoing Tuesday morning – meaning it’s still possible the death toll could rise. At least 70 people were injured in the crash.
The only victim who has been identified so far is Jeanice McMillan, 42, of Springfield, who was the Metrorail operator of the train that struck the other one from the rear.
NTSB spokesperson Debbie Hersman made the rounds of all the local broadcast outlets early this morning. She said virtually the same thing during each appearance: the NTSB, FBI, and Metrorail investigators are working on determining the cause of the crash, but they still have no answers to offer. Hersman also said the NTSB is attempting to locate any data recorders that might have been on the trains. “Older trains do not have good recording devices, but some of the newer trains do, so it’s possible that we might find some recording devices,” she told WTOP.
WJLA quotes Metro General Manager John Catoe saying that an automated computer system used to run trains was supposed to keep these two trains apart, but it was not clear whether the system was in use when the crash occurred.
The Washington Post writes that “even if the signal system failed to stop the train, the operator should have intervened and applied emergency brakes, safety experts familiar with Metro’s operations say.” City Desk makes the point that concerns about the relative safety of operating older, 1000-series Metrorail cars (like the lead car in the rear train in yesterday’s crash) alongside newer, 5000-series cars (like the tail end car of the train that was in front) have been around for years.
Part of the Red Line is still closed this morning. Those who attempt to ride the Red Line on the sections where it is operating (between Glenmont and Silver Spring and between Shady Grove and Rhode Island Ave.) are being advised to add one hour to their commutes. Shuttle buses are operating between Silver Spring and Rhode Island Avenue, though Metro warns that the shuttle buses are going to be crowded. All other Metrorail lines are also affected by delays this morning, as the entire system will be operating in manual mode today.
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty is set to begin a press conference at 8 a.m. to update the public.
