Amtrak trains derail at Union Station, delays expected

An occupied Amtrak train derailed in D.C. on Tuesday morning, causing delays for travelers and commuters that are expected to last throughout the day.

A spokesperson for Amtrak told WTOP that two cars derailed in a tunnel at the Union Station entrance sometime around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday.

DC Fire and EMS said passengers on that train were moved to unaffected cars and transported to L’Enfant Plaza station.

Update Amtrak derailment. All passengers were moved to unaffected cars and have been transported to L’Enfant Plaza Station. DC Fire EMS units are there standing by to provide any assistance. 1 Amtrak employee transported for a minor medical condition. #DCsBravest

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 11, 2023

One Amtrak employee has been taken to the hospital for a minor medical condition, the agency said. No other injuries have been reported.

In a tweet, Amtrak said Carolinian Train 79 is canceled between D.C. and Raleigh. Multiple trains, including those running between Norfolk, Virginia, and New York City, are also being held in Alexandria as a result of the derailment.

As of 11:35 am ET, due to a disabled train blocking the tracks in the area, Train 141 and Train 94 are canceled between Washington (WAS) and Richmond (RVR). For traveling assistance, please call or text 1-800-USA-RAIL.

— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) July 11, 2023

Virginia Railway Express tweeted that many of their daily trains will either be delayed, or canceled:

Update: Fredericksburg trains 301, 303 and 305 and 315 will NOT operate.

Manassas trains 325, 327, 329, 333, 337 will NOT operate.

Note: Updates are not typically available for delays under 10 minutes as time is often made up en route.

Q https://t.co/oPhpHXQZ8N

— Virginia Railway Express (@VaRailExpress) July 11, 2023

WTOP’s Acacia James contributed to this story.

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