BREAKING: Reports of Loud Explosions and Smoke Pouring Out Of D.C. Train Station

This just in: There have been reports of several loud explosions and a ton of smoke billowing out of a train station in Washington, D.C.

This afternoon, authorities shut down Eastern Market Metro station and Pennsylvania Avenue after passengers reported the startling bangs and smoke.

Videos on social media captured the noises and smoke:

🚨#BREAKING: Reports of several loud explosions and smoke Pours from Washington DC Train Station
⁰📌#Washington | #DC

A major emergency response is underway at the Eastern Market train station in Washington DC after multiple witnesses reported hearing several loud explosions,… pic.twitter.com/gdCEcun228

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 15, 2024

BREAKING!🚨 Several “loud bangs” and a ton of smoke have been observed at Eastern Market Train Station in Washington DC.

WTF is going on?!?!

Things keep getting CRAZIER & CRAZIER by the day in 2024, that’s for SURE. pic.twitter.com/GpFaQjmLRS

— The Patriot Voice (@TPV_John) February 15, 2024

Social media users also posted photos of the emergency response:

Massive law enforcement presence at Eastern Market metro station right now—not sure what’s happening. @CMCharlesAllen @wmataGM @wmata pic.twitter.com/dumT7mjCYV

— Zach Israel (@ZachBIsrael) February 15, 2024

DC Fire has Pennsylvania Avenue closed after smoke was reported inside Eastern Market Metro station. More to come. pic.twitter.com/F4kobg9CqS

— Paul Wagner (@paulcwagner) February 15, 2024

Firefighters were called in.

The cause is still being investigated, but it has been attributed to a mechanical issue of the arching insulator underneath the subway train.

🚨🇺🇸

Washington Train Station update:

Additional video shows the arching insulator under the subway train causing several loud bangs to occur which resulting in the releasing of a large amount of smoke

pic.twitter.com/ttQjOB9T3D https://t.co/Wjgs5YYq1q

— Alex Barnicoat (@mrbarnicoat) February 15, 2024

At this time, there are reports of 8 people being injured, and 1 hospitalized.

NBC Washington reported:

The Eastern Market Metro station is closed after an arcing insulator alarmed passengers by causing a loud noise and billowing smoke, authorities said early Thursday afternoon.

Medics evaluated eight patients and one person was taken to a hospital.

Video posted to social media showed heavy, slightly yellow smoke pouring from the platform and over the entrance gates to the station. A few people could be seen running or walking quickly to exit the station and head up the escalators.

No cause of the smoke could be seen in the video. Although the person who posted the video called it an “explosion,” officials have not said an explosion occurred.

D.C. Fire and EMS said in a statement that an insulator on fire underneath a railcar caused the loud noise and smoke that alarmed passengers on the platform. The fire has been extinguished and exhaust fans have been turned on in the station, D.C. Fire said.

Daily Express US also covered the developing story:

Eight people were injured in a Washington, DC metro station on Thursday after a track fire sent plumes of smoke billowing upward.

DC Fire and EMS says commuters were instructed to leave the Eastern Market station, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhod less than a mile from Congress.

“Smoke showing upon arrival on platform,” the agency wrote on X shortly after 1 p.m.

A video posted to social media shows as white smoke descends from the light fixtures and fills the station, causing people to rush out.

Service on multiple lines has been suspended between the Federal Center and Stadium Armory stations, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

By 1:30 p.m., firefighters announced they were working with the transit authority to “ventilate” the station.