Philly train’s speed twice as normal, experts say – Derailment inevitable

The derailed train in Philadelphia was going twice as fast as was allowed. It caused the death of seven people and injured more than 200.

Even though the exact details of the accident remain unknown, specialists from the NTSB believe that the accident could have been averted if the train had an advanced speed limiting system (“positive train control”).

The Amtrak train driver hit the brakes prior to the curve in the rail. The maximum train speed on the turn was 80 km/h, but the train was already moving with 171 km/h. The seven train cars were derailed, while one was completely destroyed. The train was carrying 243 passengers, including five Amtrak employees.

All trips along the line, which serves 12 million people each year, have been indefinitely postponed.