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Six die in the worst Metro accident in Washington DC history. Here is a WTOP report. PHOTO FROM WTOP.COM
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A Metro train smashed into the back of another at the height of the Monday evening rush hour, killing at least six people and injuring scores of others as cars from the trailing train jackknifed into the air and fell atop the first.
One of the fatalities was a female train operator, Metro officials say. The woman's name has not been released.
D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin says more than 70 people were transported to hospitals. Of those, two people have life-threatening injuries and 50 are classified as "walking wounded" injuries.
D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says people who believe their loved ones were on the train can dial 311.
"It looks to be the worst Metro accident in D.C. history," D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty says.
Metro General Manager John Catoe says it appears one of the trains was stopped on the tracks awaiting permission to clear the station when another train came up behind it and slammed into the back of the train.
"I give my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives today," Catoe says. "This is an incredibly tragic event. We will get to the bottom and find out what happened."
Rubin says there are about 200-250 firefighters on the scene. The firefighters are working to clear each train car. Two D.C. firefighters were injured, but their injuries are minor, Rubin says.
Authorities have scheduled a news conference for 8 a.m. Tuesday
Here is my LIVE blog of WJLA, WTTG, WUSA and WRC coverage of the Metro train accident.
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