The train derailed as it was being backed up from an improperly closed rail switch between the Federal Triangle and Smithsonian stations, and caused the deaths of three passengers.

[3] The incident occurred only 30 minutes after Air Florida Flight 90 crashed at the 14th Street bridge complex, a short distance to the south, taxing emergency responders and paralyzing transportation across the Washington metropolitan area.

Prior to the accident, at 3:45 p.m. EST (15:45 UTC) on Wednesday, January 13, 1982, a westbound Blue/Orange Line train was offloaded at Federal Triangle station after reporting having a propulsion problem.

Following the turn backs, the Operation Control Center attempted to realign the switches at the Smithsonian Interlocking.

The train began breaking, then "jerking", before the supervisor noticed that there was a loss of brake pressure and propulsion power.

At 4:33 p.m. EST (21:33 UTC), the supervisor walked to the back of the train and reported the accident, that both tracks were blocked, and there were passenger casualties.

[2][5][4][6] An off duty WMATA police officer assisted helping passengers, and noticed an arching after alighting from the damaged car.

Fire fighters and medics responded to the incident at 4:34 p.m. EST (21:34 UTC) and the first trucks entered the station at 4:53 p.m. EST (21:53 UTC)[4] Both Orange and Blue Line service was suspended between McPherson Square and the Federal Center SW stations as a result of the accident.

[4] The response to the incident was slowed due to the hazard conditions going on and emergency personnel were already responding to the crash of Air Florida Flight 90 on the 14th Street Bridge thirty minutes earlier.

[2][4] Following the investigations during the months following the incident, the NTSB and WMATA officials attributed the accident to operator error.

[9] Prior to the accident, Metro policy called for passengers to remain in the cars until rescue personnel arrived.

[10] Following the incident, Metro reversed its policy and by 1985 began the installation of emergency handles to allow passengers to escape a car in the event of fire.