WMATA Taking Remedial Measures to Protect Post-Accident Evidence

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority is pledging to do a better job of preserving evidence after accidents as it deals with criticism over its handling of an Oct. 9 train separation.

An eight-car train was headed north on the Red Line after leaving Union Station when the first two cars separated from the last six.

No injuries were reported among the 108 passengers but they were stranded inside the rail cars for nearly two hours.

An investigation revealed that a coupling between rail cars of the 6000-series train had come loose, which caused the separation. However, the investigation was impeded by workers who tampered with the evidence.

Initial evidence found by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission showed an improperly torqued bolt caused the separation. Later, the investigators discovered workers had tightened the bolt after the accident, which diminished any image of a serious problem.

Metro’s regulations forbid tampering with evidence after accidents to ensure investigations are done properly. Willfully tampering with evidence also could lead to criminal charges.

The workers who tightened the bolt were acting under direction of a supervisor, who did not realize he was doing anything wrong, according to the Safety Commission’s report.

Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld told board members during a meeting last week that the transit agency would institute clearer guidelines and training for employees on handling evidence.

Preliminary results from the investigation showed the coupler for the separated cars was replaced in November 2019. They typically are replaced every eight years.

Several inspections of the rail car after the replacement revealed no problems with the coupler, Metro officials said.

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