I've been following this story. I'm not hugely knowledable about the Metro, though I get down to DC every few years, and I've ridden the DC metro on those trips. The
Washington Post seems to have the best coverage.
In most cases, one is probably best off by staying in the car and waiting for rescue. However, there are times when an immediate life threat may make it advisable to self evacuate. This appears to have been one of those instances. WaPo has published a
Metro Emergency Guide. See page 4 about the anatomy of a tunnel. There is a very narrow walkway. The "Third Rail" (touch it and you die) is identified by a white cover plate.
It will be very interesting to read the NTSB report on this incident when it comes out. I get the feeling the response was not as good as it should have been, even allowing for the usual confusion in this kind of situation. Washington Metro seems to have a rather
poor safety record. EDIT: There seems to be a serious issue with safety oversight of the Metro.
WMATA has no direct oversight from any local, state, or federal authorities. The Tri-State Oversight Committee oversees WMATA, but has no regulatory authority. Metro's safety department usually is in charge of investigating incidents, but cannot require other Metro agencies to implement its recommendations.[1] The NTSB, which is charged with investigating every civil aviation accident and significant accidents in other modes of transportation, does not have the authority to set or enforce standards. This lack of authority has been scrutinized after NTSB recommended that WMATA take measures to increase crash worthiness of trains after collisions in 1996 and again in 2006.[46] WMATA did not take action on these recommendations, citing tax advantage leases and an eventual replacement around 2014.[47] NTSB, unable to compel action, classified the recommendation as, "Safety Recommendation R-06-2 Closed Unacceptable Action".
Hopefully, one of our ETS members from the DC area can give further insight on the Metro.
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