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The Washington Examiner uncovered extensive safety hazards after going through nearly 1,000 inspection records that were repeatedly ignored in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's emergency subway exits. The story immediately prompted reforms at the transit agency, including the unlocking of an emergency door that had been sealed for years. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., also cited the hazards when she called for a new federal audit of Metro safety problems. The true measure of the story's impact came after a train derailed on July 6 and authorities successfully evacuated 56 trapped riders through an emergency shaft at the West Hyattsville station, where repeated problems had been found.