A commuter train rear-ends another, ripping open cars in the system's worst accident in 33 years.

Washington -- A Metro commuter train smashed into the rear of another at the height of the capital's Monday evening rush hour, killing at least nine people and injuring scores as the front end of the trailing train jackknifed into the air and fell atop the first.

Cars of both trains were ripped open and smashed together in the worst accident in Metrorail's 33-year history. District of Columbia fire spokesman Alan Etter said crews had to cut some people out of what he described as a "mass casualty event." Rescuers propped steel ladders up to the upper train cars to help survivors scramble to safety. Seats from the smashed cars spilled out onto the track.



source : http://www.latimes.com