Metro track repairman struck, killed in Va.

[August 10, 2009]  VIENNA, Va. (AP) -- D.C.-area transportation officials say a track repairman has been struck and killed by a piece of equipment while he was replacing cross-ties along a Metro rail line.

The man was hit by a ballast regulator along a line in Virginia, a large piece of equipment that spreads gravel and stone that keeps the track stable.

The repairman was one of 10 to 15 people on a crew working when he was hit by the equipment around 9:50 p.m. Sunday.

Metro halted service between West Falls Church-VT/UVA and the Vienna stations. Shuttle buses are being used instead.

Authorities have not yet identified the 25-year employee.

In June, a Metro train slammed into another train stopped on the tracks, killing nine and injuring more than 70.

[Associated Press]

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