Update: Trains are now single tracking on the Blue and Orange lines between Federal Triangle and McPherson Square; Silver line service remains restricted to between Wiehle-Reston and Ballston.

Original:

Metro service is suspended between Federal Center and McPherson Square on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines after a fire was reported in the Metro Center station. D.C. Fire and EMS is on the scene.

Metro Transit Police attributed the problem to an arcing insulator on the lower level. No injuries have been reported thus far, according to MTPD.

The fire occurred just a few minutes after 5 p.m. (on lines already suffering residual delays due to a train malfunction outside Eastern Market), and commuters began reporting major crowding as trains were offloaded. The Silver line is now only operating between Wiehle-Reston and Ballston (riders will have to switch to the Orange line to head into the city, though they may well want to find an alternative). Metro advises Blue Line riders head over to Gallery Place and utilize Yellow Line Rush Plus service. The Red Line, however, is still functioning.

Metro is working on establishing shuttle bus service, and also recommends the following bus routes: 42, 52, 54, 63, 64, 80, D6, G8, P6, S2, S4, X2, X9.

This post has been updated

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