WASHINGTON – One day after the deadliest accident in the
history of Washington’s Metro subway system, Archbishop
Donald W. Wuerl gathered with Metro employees to pray for
those who died or were injured in the incident.
“Confident that God always remembers the good we have done
and God is good and gracious, let us remember those who have
died … (and) those who were injured both physically or
emotionally,” Archbishop Wuerl prayed June 23. “Let us also
remember and place before God in prayer the first responders
and emergency personnel who came quickly to the aid of the
injured and dying.”
The archbishop led the prayer service in front of Metro
headquarters. Hundreds of Metro employees left their desks to
attend the brief but emotional service.
The service was held in the plaza outside the building, in
front of a Metro system logo that was draped in black crepe
as a symbol of mourning.
“In this time of testing and pain for so many of our
community, guide us with your gentle compassion and unfailing
help,” Archbishop Wuerl prayed.
Nine people – two men and seven women – were killed June 22
when two subway trains collided between two stations. Among
the dead was 42-year-old Jeanice McMillan, operator of the
train that struck another train from behind.
The accident occurred just after 5 p.m., during the busy
rush-hour commute. According to published reports, the two
trains were on the same track when the train operated by
McMillan struck another train that was standing still while
awaiting clearance to enter the next station.
The National Transportation Safety Board was investigating
the cause of the crash.
Close to 80 people were injured in the incident. Five of
those injured were treated at nearby Providence Hospital,
which is sponsored by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent
de Paul.
Hospital spokeswoman Stephanie Hertzog said four accident
victims were brought into the hospital by ambulance. A fifth
person came in later by private car. Hertzog said that two of
the victims were admitted: one for surgery for a damaged hip
and another for observation. The others were treated and
released.
Archbishop Wuerl told those gathered for the prayer service
that “it is appropriate we come together to support one
another.”
“We gather together as a community and come together in
solidarity and prayer,” he said. “We place before (God) our
sorrow and our commitment to one another.”
The archbishop also offered prayers for all Metro employees,
noting that “we support Metro. Hundreds of thousands of
passengers are transported safely each and every day.”
Susan Gibbs, the archdiocesan spokeswoman, said in a
statement that “our hearts and prayers go out to the entire
Metro family as well as all those who were injured or died in
yesterday’s tragedy, and their families.”
“The Archdiocese of Washington worked closely with Metro last
year during the papal visit, and (we) are grateful for the
professionalism and commitment of the Metro staff to
providing safe and efficient service for our community, which
we experienced firsthand during the April 2008 papal Mass,”
she said.
John Catoe, Metro’s general manager, opened the prayer
service by calling the accident “a very tragic time for us.”
Calling for a moment of silence to remember and pray for
McMillan and her family, Catoe said, “My heart and soul goes
out to those who were injured and those who lost their lives.
My heart aches today.”
“We need to grieve and we need to pull together,” he told
Metro employees.
In a voice breaking with emotion, he said that Metro
officials were grateful for “the people who have called from
throughout the region, throughout the nation and throughout
the world to offer their support.”
“We will find the cause of this tragedy and we will find a
solution,” Catoe promised.
