Train with no passengers derails in D.C., causing delays

WASHINGTON — A train without passengers derailed within the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority on Thursday, delaying the morning commute for many of the Washington area's commuters.

Metro officials said there were no injuries after the train derailed near a switch at the Smithsonian Metro station about 5:20 a.m. There was minor damage to the train, but it's unclear what was damaged.

Service on the blue, orange and silver lines were suspended Thursday between Federal Center SW and McPherson Square. Silver line trains were traveling between Wiehle Avenue and East Falls Church only.

Delays mounted as passengers crowded platforms waiting for trains.

Metro was offering bus service to help passengers reach their destination. The authority also encouraged riders to find alternate transportation.

The authority said the cause of the derailment is under investigation.

The system's red line train also had issues, with trains single tracking between Friendship Heights and Medical Center because of a disabled train outside the Bethesda station. Service there has returned to normal. The Bethesda station reopened Thursday morning after closing because of a power outage Wednesday.

Thursday's derailment is the latest issue on the rail system serving the national capital region.

In January, one woman died after a train filled with smoke at the L'Enfant Plaza Station. Many riders were treated for smoke inhalation.