At least 9 killed in Metro's deadliest accident

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By Sarah Abruzzese and Melissa Giaimo THE WASHINGTON TIMES

UPDATED:

Investigators continued to sift for clues Tuesday into what caused a Metro train to crash into another, killing nine people, including the operator, and injuring 70 -- the deadliest subway crash in D.C. history.

D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty reduced the death toll by two Tuesday morning in the deadliest Metro crash in history. He said two are in stable condition and that one remains in critical condition following the red line accident that occurred at about 5 p.m.

Later in the afternoon, the number climbed back up to nine dead.

The red line train was headed into the nation's capital during the evening rush hour Monday.

The operator of the back train, Jeanice McMillan of Springfield, Va., was a Metro employee since January 2007, Metro spokesman Steve Taubenkibel told the Associated Press.

The crash, which occurred minutes after 5 p.m. near the Fort Totten rail station in Northeast, left twisted rail cars stacked on top of each other and scores of passengers limping from the wreckage while talking on cell phones. Hundreds of rescuers used heavy machinery to extract the injured.

"The scene is as horrific as you can imagine," Mr. Fenty said.

Mr. Fenty said more than 70 people were taken to hospitals. D.C. fire and emergency services Chief Dennis L. Rubin said six people were injured seriously, 14 suffered moderate injuries and more than 50 people received injuries not considered life-threatening.

"Michelle and I were saddened by the terrible accident in Northeast Washington, D.C. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy. I want to thank the brave first responders who arrived immediately to save lives," President Barack Obama said Monday.