Driver crashes onto Metro tracks near Vienna, injuring self

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to the incident on I-66 near the Cedar Lane overpass.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A driver crashed their vehicle onto the Metro tracks from I-66 near Vienna, Virginia, on February 11, 2026. The driver was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident caused the shutdown of the westbound I-66 Express Lanes and suspended Orange Line train service between the West Falls Church and Vienna Metro stations.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of vehicles leaving the roadway and entering transit infrastructure, which can pose serious risks to both the driver and the transportation system. It also underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the need for continued coordination between transportation agencies to address such incidents quickly and effectively.

The details

According to emergency scanner reports, the driver was traveling in the HOV lanes of I-66 when they crashed their vehicle and landed on the nearby Metro tracks. Firefighters responded to the scene and helped the driver exit the vehicle, which had caught fire after the crash. The driver was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

  • The incident occurred around 11:24 a.m. on February 11, 2026.
  • Crews were able to lift the vehicle off the tracks shortly after 1 p.m. the same day.

The players

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

The local fire and rescue agency that responded to the incident and transported the injured driver to the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“'Caller said they were in the HOV lanes, crashed the vehicle and landed on the Metro tracks.'”

— Dispatcher, Emergency scanner (ffxnow.com)

“'1 civilian transported with non-life-threatening injuries.'”

— Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (Twitter)

What’s next

Authorities will investigate the cause of the crash and work to restore full service on the Orange Line as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, particularly when navigating highways and roadways near transit infrastructure. It also highlights the need for continued coordination between transportation agencies to quickly respond to and mitigate the impact of such incidents on the broader transportation network.