News & Reviews News Wire Dallas light rail service disrupted after fire truck crashes off elevated highway onto tracks (updated)

Dallas light rail service disrupted after fire truck crashes off elevated highway onto tracks (updated)

By Trains Staff | July 21, 2024

| Last updated on July 22, 2024


Four firefighters injured; DART cautions repairs could take ‘significant amount of time’

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Light-rail train at underground station
A DART Red Line train arrives at Cityplace/Uptown, one of the six stations to lose power after a Dallas fire truck crashed onto light rail tracks off of an elevated highways. David Lassen

DALLAS — Dallas Area Rapid Transit rail service was disrupted today (Sunday, July 21) after a Dallas Fire Rescue truck skidded off a rain-slick elevated section of highway onto the light-rail line below, the Dallas Morning News reports.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on Interstate 345 near South Good Latimer Expressway. Four firefighters were injured and taken to Baylor University Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon, according to a fire department spokesman.

The accident knocked out power to DART rail service in the city’s Central Business District, leading the transit agency to establish bus bridges around six stations — Cityplace/Uptown, Deep Ellum, Pearl/Arts District; West End, EBJ/Union, and Victory. DART said in a press release that the crash “resulted in severe damage to the DART system which might take a significant amount of time to repair. During this time, passengers should expect significant delays and should be mindful of signage and directions from DART personnel.” The start of repairs was delayed Sunday while Dallas police investigated the crash, according to the Morning News report.

A Monday update from DART said the service disruptions would continue through the Monday morning commuter rush and could extend into Monday’s evening rush hour “depending on the extent of the repairs needed.”

The accident also knocked down overhead signage on I-345, closing all southbound lanes of the highway for an extended period.

— Updated at 7:35 a.m. CT Monday with latest information from DART.

2 thoughts on “Dallas light rail service disrupted after fire truck crashes off elevated highway onto tracks (updated)

  1. Apology due to incorrect posting

    warning UPDATE: DART SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPACTED DUE TO ACCIDENT IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS’ CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
    Jul 22, 2024
    Passengers should expect delays due to ongoing repairs.
    DART’s team is working to restore service following a major accident that occurred early on July 21, 2024, where a fire engine fell from the highway onto the DART tracks below near Interstate 345 and South Good Latimer Expressway. DART’s team mobilized quickly implementing 14 shuttle buses to replace train service in the area. We will increase the number to 21 buses, tomorrow, Monday, July 22, to serve passengers as train service will not resume in the Downtown Dallas’ Central Business District due on ongoing repairs.

    Because of this ongoing work, customers should expect substantial delays during their morning commute. These delays could potentially extend into the afternoon rush hour depending on the extent of the repairs needed.

    There will be bus shuttles available for passengers who are travelling within the Central Business District at the following locations:
    • Cityplace/Uptown
    • Deep Ellum
    • Pearl/Arts District
    • West End
    • EBJ/Union
    • Victory

    These buses will service the stations listed above in place of the usual light rail service and will help passengers make connections to lightrail trains. Passengers who are serviced at St Paul and Akard stations will have a shuttle service that connects them to the bus bridge.

    Passengers are asked to look for DART personnel and signage as they travel through the Central Business area, add in additional time for their travel, and when possible: utilize alternate forms of transportation.

    For passengers who use the Orange line between City Place/Uptown and Parker Road stations, please note that you should board Red Line trains to make your connections. Once in the Central Business District, board the bus bridge to your final destination. Please note passengers going to DFW airport should board the shuttle to get to Victory station and then board the orange line to get to the airport.

    DART will continue to monitor this incident and work as quickly and safely as possible to resume regular services. To stay informed, please contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, find service updates on the DART GoPass app, or sign up for DART Service Alerts at DART.org

    Cause:
    Accident
    Effect:
    Significant Delays
    Published:
    Jul 22, 2024
    Affected Routes and Rail Lines
    train
    Blue LineGreen LineOrange LineRed LineTre Railway

  2. 07/21/24 4:15pm EDT
    _ Delay Notification: As of 4:13 PM ET Train 88 is currently
    _ stopped north of Metropark (MET) due to overhead power issues.
    _ Crews are diligently working to resolve the issue. We will
    _ provide updates as more information becomes available. We
    _ greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
    _
    _ 07/21/24 4:57pm EDT
    _ Mechanical Issue: As of 4:44 PM ET Train 88 is currently
    _ stopped north of Metropark (MET) due to mechanical issues
    _ resulting from overhead power issues. A new engine is enroute
    _ and estimated to arrive in 45 minutes. We sincerely appreciate
    _ your continued patience and understanding.
    _

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