http://wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=319827 Metro Trains Collide on Red Line
Updated: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004 - 2:19 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Two witnesses to this afternoon's train crash at the Woodley Park Metro station are describing a harrowing scene.
Nick Harnice and his girlfriend, Deana Clingerman, both of Alexandria, were on board the train that was hit at around 12:49 p.m.
Harnice says just as their train pulled into the station and stopped, the conductor began screaming for people to get off the train, and the passngers started running.
In a matter of seconds, Clingerman says a second train hit their train head-on and went on top of the first train, sending debris flying.
Both described a lot of smoke and debris in the station.
The train that was hit was bound for Shady Grove. The second train was reportedly empty.
D.C. Fire Department spokesman Alan Etter says four people have been injured in the collision.
Etter says the injured are three passengers and the operator of one of the trains involved.
He says none of the injuries are life-threatening.
But he says damage to the trains is "significant." He describes the scene in the underground station as one of cars accordioned together, like "sardines in a can."
Etter says Metro Transit police are on the scene, talking to witnesses and collecting information about what happened.
The crash has closed a portion of the Red Line.
Service is shut down between the Van Ness and Dupont Circle stations. On its web site, Metro is advising customers to find alternate ways home for today's afternoon commute.
Shuttle bus service will be provided between Dupont Circle and Van Ness.
Connecticut Avenue is also closed from Calvert Street to about four blocks north of the scene.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
