Metro Smoke Latest: Radio Trouble for First Responders

A letter from WMATA in Sunday’s paper is expected to offer apologies to the family of the fatal victim in this week’s smoke incident at L’Enfant Plaza, as well as the other passengers still recovering after smoke filled the Metro tunnel and a stopped train.

But more news this weekend comes from a report by the D.C. Fire and EMS, pointing to recognized problems with radio communication at the station. According to the report, fire officials told WMATA about a problem with radio coverage at the L’Enfant Plaza station on Jan. 8, according to Fox5DC.

One person, 61-year-old Carol Glover, died from the long period waiting for help in the smoke-filed train. More than 80 others were injured.

Challenges at the scene were evident in the response timeline released by investigators late this week, as well as reports that firefighters had to have runners racing from the train to where they could get a signal to relay information above ground.

NBC Washington has the letter from WMATA that will be published Sunday in The Washington Post. WMATA Chairman Tom Downs writes, “Your safety, and your trust in Metro to deliver safe and reliable service, is paramount to us.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser promised on Saturday a “top-down review by our homeland security department,” according to WTOP.

Also read:

• Metrorail Deadly Smoke Evacuation: Details, Timeline, What Happens Next?
• Death Reported in Smoke Incident at L’Enfant Plaza
• Sen. Warner: Passengers Deserve Answers Now About DC Metro Safety

Photo: Investigators in the Metro tunnel in DC where today’s incident occurred. NTSB photo