Six contractors were injured, including one worker in critical condition, after an electrical incident inside an underground shaft near the Medical Center Metro Station in Bethesda, prompting a large emergency response and an ongoing workplace safety investigation.
Emergency crews rushed to the Medical Center Metro Station area in Bethesda on Monday after multiple workers suffered electrical injuries while performing work in an underground electrical shaft adjacent to the Metro system. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service initially reported a complex rescue operation involving an electrocution incident in a Metro tunnel shaft near the 8800 block of Rockville Pike.
Key Points
• Six contractors injured in electrical incident near Medical Center Metro Station
• One worker listed in critical condition with severe electrical burns
• Incident occurred inside an underground electrical shaft near the Metro station
According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, crews were dispatched to the scene after reports of an electrocution involving contractors working in a confined underground area.
“MCFRS Rail Officers and crews are on scene working to secure and control a complex, high-hazard environment,” the department said during the response.
“Operations are underway to locate, access, and remove victims, while providing immediate medical care.”
Workers injured attempting rescue
Initial reports indicate one contractor suffered an electrical shock while working inside the underground shaft.
Authorities said two coworkers were injured when they came into contact with energized lines while attempting to assist the first victim.
As the incident unfolded, emergency responders ultimately reported six injured individuals at the scene.
One worker was classified as a Priority One trauma patient and transported in critical condition. Other injured workers were classified as Priority Two trauma patients and suffered serious electrical burns and shock-related injuries.
Officials have not yet released the identities of any of the injured workers.
Dangerous rescue operation
Fire officials described the incident as an especially challenging emergency because of the confined underground location and continuing electrical hazards.
“This remains an extremely challenging and dangerous incident due to the location and electrical hazards,” Montgomery County Fire and Rescue said.
The department noted that crews worked closely with Metro officials to secure the area and manage electrical risks before victims could be safely removed.
“MCFRS is coordinating closely with the Metro Operations Center to mitigate hazards, manage power risks, and ensure responder safety,” officials said.
Metro service initially unaffected
Authorities said the electrical vault where the incident occurred was separate from Metro’s operating rail infrastructure.
As a result, Red Line train service was not immediately impacted by the electrocution incident itself. However, transit officials later reported delays related to an unrelated arcing insulator issue elsewhere along the line.
Investigation underway
The cause of the electrical incident remains under investigation.
Workplace safety officials and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the workers came into contact with energized equipment.
Officials have not yet indicated whether the workers were performing scheduled maintenance, construction, or infrastructure upgrades at the time of the accident.
Additional updates on the victims’ conditions are expected as the investigation continues.