Authorities encouraged riders on the Blue and Orange lines to seek alternate travel options as trains single-track between Farragut West and McPherson Square stations, leading to delays in both directions.

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Metro riders should expect major delays on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines Monday after two 3000-series trains collided overnight.

WMATA said on Twitter that the lines would be delayed throughout the day—operating roughly every 15 minutes. Riders reported crowded platforms and complained that Metro was running six-car trains during the morning rush.

https://twitter.com/katelynebeth/status/1181173466130575367

Morning commuters delayed more than 10 minutes will get their trip refunded through the Rush Hour Promise, but the money-back program will not be in effect on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines for the afternoon rush.

Authorities encouraged riders on the Blue and Orange lines to seek alternate travel options as trains single-track between Farragut West and McPherson Square stations, leading to delays in both directions. Metro said the Silver line would run trains only between Ballston and Wiehle stations to try to limit delays.

In a statement, Metro said the collision happened at 12:54 a.m. between Foggy Bottom and Farragut West stations as the trains were heading to their rail yards. The two six-car, 3000-series trains were traveling eastbound on the same track when they hit each other, officials said.

D.C. Fire officials said there were no passengers on either train, but the two train operators were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. One has been released from the hospital.

According to officials, both trains stayed on the tracks and there was “no reported damage” to the tunnel, adding “an assessment of railcar damage is pending.” Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

Rail Transit OPS, an independent hobbyist group that uses data and scanner traffic to monitor Metro incidents, reported that a line of trains was waiting to pick up passengers transferring from the Nationals game on the Green Line. Other trains were waiting to report back to their home yards when the collision occurred.

Metro said it has notified the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board. WMSC said in a tweet that the agency is working with WMATA to investigate the crash.

WAMU has reached out to Metro and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission for more information.

This story was originally published on WAMU and has been updated with additional information.

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