D.C. train smashes into another; 6 dead

Dozens injured after rush-hour crash; cars of both trains ripped open

Win Mcnamee / Getty Images Rescue workers respond to the site of two Red Line Metrorail trains that collided between the Fort Totten and Takoma Park stations on Monday evening. View related photos

Slideshow Deadly D.C. Metro collision See images from the rush-hour collision between two Metro transit trains in northeast Washington. more photos

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updated 10:17 p.m. ET June 22, 2009

WASHINGTON - One Metro transit train smashed into the rear of another at the height of the capital city's Monday evening rush hour, killing at least six people and injuring scores of others as the front end of the trailing train jackknifed violently into the air and fell atop the first.

Cars of both trains were ripped open and smashed together in the worst accident in the Metrorail system's 33-year history. District of Columbia fire spokesman Alan Etter said crews had to cut some people out of what he described as a "mass casualty event." Rescue workers propped steel ladders up to the upper train cars to help survivors scramble to safety. Seats from the smashed cars spilled out onto the track.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said six were confirmed dead. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said rescue workers treated 76 people at the scene and sent some of them to local hospitals, six with critical injuries. A search for further victims continued into the night.