Metro is investigating the cause of an escalator collapse at the Foggy Bottom Metro station Friday morning, which caused lengthy backups at the station, a Metro spokesman said.
At about 9 a.m., an escalator at the station folded, opening up at the bottom of the steps while riders were walking on it. The incident prompted a backup of passengers from the mezzanine to the turnstiles, as only one escalator was available for passengers both entering and exiting the station. The third escalator is currently unavailable as Metro works to replace the escalator with a new unit.
No injuries were reported due to the incident, spokesman Steven Taubenkibel confirmed. Officials are still investigating the cause of the collapse.
The escalator unit that collapsed is currently functioning as a stationary staircase, Taubenkibel said, and Metro is looking to make further repairs over the weekend.
Upgrades for all the station’s escalators are currently in the works, as Metro began renovations to escalator units in late January.