Photo by Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie

Good morning, Washington. More dreadful news from Metro this morning: two track workers were struck and killed early this morning by a piece of heavy track equipment. The collision occurred near the Rockville station at about 1:45 a.m. The transit agency has yet to release the names of the dead, both men.

Red Line service was severely delayed during this morning’s rush hour while an investigation into the accident continues. Red Line trains are operating between Glenmont and Twinbrook, with no service between Shady Grove and Rockville. Free shuttle bus service has been established to move customers between the impacted stations. Metro is also suggesting Metrobus route Q6, Ride-On route 46, or the MARC Brunswick Line as alternatives to this part of the Red Line.

Metro spokesperson Lisa Farbstein told WRC/NBC4 earlier that it was clear that “something went horribly wrong this morning.” Early reports indicate that that something appears to have been a massive breakdown in communication between the workers who were installing equipment on the tracks and the operator of the maintenance vehicle that killed them.

The transit agency says it has already notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the Tri-State Oversight Committee of the incident. It’s safe to say that Red Line riders are in for continued delays for the time being.

Briefly Noted: Vincent Gray threatens Michelle Rhee with a subpoena … Developers sue Metro over stalled Greenbelt development plan … Laura Bush joins Smithsonian Black History Board … Former U.S. Sen. Charles McC. Mathias Jr. of Maryland dies at 87.

This Day in DCist: One year ago, Chinese carryout restaurants in the city were being targeted for armed robberies.