Metro train strikes person at Farragut West, service suspended 2 hours

Operations at Farragut West were restored two hours after a person was struck by a metro train and died on Monday afternoon.

According to a video released by the WMATA, a person jumped in front of the metro train around 1 p.m. Metro Transit Police later ruled their death as a suicide.

Traffic began to pile up immediately thereafter as Metro’s Orange, Silver and Blue line operated on a single-track. 

Initially, D.C. Fire and EMS were called to the scene of a rescue situation. But once on the scene, Metro Transit Police took over in order to recover the body.

Update technical rescue Farragut West Metro station. #DCsBravest working beneath the train have confirmed this is a recovery rather than a rescue. Scene will be turned over to @MetroTransitPD and @wmata.

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) December 9, 2019

Train services were suspended between Foggy Bottom and Metro Center during the investigation. 

Police advised residents to take other metro stops closer to Farragut North.

Shuttle buses were also available for residents to commute to different lines or intersections during the time of suspension. 

D.C. resident Tera-Marie Jones said she always takes the Farragut West station home after work but was surprised to hear that an incident like this would happen. 

“I am not used to something like this. Once I realized I couldn’t use this stop, I just figured I Uber home instead of walking,” Jones said. “But it is really unfortunate for something like this to happen to someone.”

Unfortunately, the person struck by a train this afternoon at Farragut West succumbed to injuries. Video shows it was an intentional act. Please, if you or someone you love needs help or just someone to listen, make the call: 1-855-320-5433 #wmata @_DCHealth #SuicideAwareness pic.twitter.com/FA9Pcipg9Y

— Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) December 9, 2019

D.C. resident Delores Wray said it’s unfortunate that someone would take their life. 

“Life is really hard and I wish it never got to that point for that person,” Wray said. “I hope if someone needs help, they get in contact with the right people.”

In a tweet, Metro Transit Police added that if anyone is feeling any signs of suicidal thoughts, they should contact the suicidal helpline at 1-855-320-5433.