ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The operator of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train that struck and killed two Metro track inspectors on Nov. 30 has been permanently barred from operating a train or bus.
The decision comes after Metro’s preliminary investigation concluded that the operator did not exercise appropriate emergency braking procedures at the time of the incident.
The workers were killed Nov. 30 after they were struck by a train near the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station in Alexandria, Va. The NTSB continues to investigate.
In order to protect the safety interests of Metro employees and customers, Metro management informed the employee and Local 689 Amalgamated Transit Union that the individual was disqualified from operating a train or bus, WMATA said.
Currently, the employee is on workers’ compensation. The action will be effective upon her return from leave, WMATA said.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board has wrapped up the field portion of an investigation into the incident. Factual reports will be developed and placed in the public docket at a later time.
