Entire DC Metro system will shut down for more than 24 hours

Allan Smith

Mar 16, 2016, 01:47 IST

A Washington, DC, Metro station.

The entire Washington, DC, Metro train system is shutting down for more than 24 hours at midnight on Wednesday so officials can conduct an emergency investigation, NBC4 reported.

The system will be shut down for 29 hours, The Associated Press reported.

An announcement is expected within the hour that workers will have to inspect as many as 1,200 pieces of equipment within the subway system.

The decision comes after a cable fire early on Monday morning caused delays throughout the day.

In a Tuesday-evening press conference, Metro officials said that the fire on Monday was similar to a fire that occurred in the Metro more than a year ago. The similarities prompted the emergency closing.

All Metrorail service will be suspended Wed., March 16, for emergency inspections: https://t.co/OPr8Ia6Vgt #wmata pic.twitter.com/YEXPL1cm2s
- Metro (@wmata) March 15, 2016

Rail system will close for 24 hours to check 1,200 electrical connectors after latest fire, NBC4 has learned
- Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) March 15, 2016

Metro to shut down ENTIRE rail system at midnight for safety check- NBC4 has learned from sources. announcement soon.
- Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) March 15, 2016