DC Metro police launch investigation into train derailment

Transit police for Washington’s Metrorail system are launching an investigation into a recent train derailment, officials announced Thursday.

{mosads}Metro’s general manager, Paul Wiedefeld, directed the Metro Transit Police Department to open a parallel investigation into the incident after investigators “advised him of concerns arising from employee interviews, inspection reports, rail defect tracking, and video recordings,” according to a press release.

The transit agency was already conducting an internal review of last month’s Silver Line derailment, which occurred near the East Falls Church platform in a “crossover” area where trains switch tracks. No one was killed or seriously injured in the incident.

“The administrative review uncovered information that warrants further investigation by Metro Transit Police,” Wiedefeld said in a statement.

“While Safety Department investigations determine cause and accountability, it is even more important to understand if other issues must be addressed with the way track inspections and maintenance have been conducted.”

Wiedefeld did not elaborate on which findings prompted his decision to bring in the Metro Transit Police.

An initial investigation from Metro determined that deteriorating wooden rail ties, which led the tracks to become too far apart, contributed to the derailment.

But a damning report from the Federal Transit Administration found that Metro workers were only inspecting the crossover tracks once a month instead of twice weekly, and said the transit agency was aware of track problems in the accident area but postponed fixes in order to implement its new yearlong maintenance project.

“The public has a right to know that the tracks on which their trains run are being properly inspected,” Wiedefeld said. “The information uncovered to date raises potentially serious concerns, and we will take all actions necessary to get answers and hold people accountable.”

Wiedefeld, who was brought in last year to overhaul the beleaguered transit agency, has been hailed for his transparency, willingness to fire employees and ambitious repair plan.

But a number of recent safety lapses — including the derailment and a series of red signal violations — could cast doubt on whether his safety plan is enough to truly transform Metro’s culture with regards to safety.