Sadly, recently, an Amtrak train traveling from D.C. to New York City derailed in Philadelphia, killing eight passengers and injuring more than 200 people.
A federal investigation into the accident remains ongoing and there has been speculation in the media about what occurred. According to reports, the train may have been traveling at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour when the derailment occurred, which is double the speed limit of the section of track where the incident took place.
Additionally, in the aftermath of the crash, there was some speculation that something may have struck a window on the locomotive, distracting the engineer. As of last week, federal officials had not ruled out that an object hit a window on the train, but they did add that if something did, it was not a bullet. Frighteningly, the New York Times reported that two other trains on the corridor suffered windshield damage just prior to the derailment.
According to reports, the train’s engineer told investigators following the accident that he could not remember what happened. Officials are also investigating several other scenarios for the incident, including mechanical failure.
We will keep you posted on any news we hear about an investigation, so continue to follow our blog.
An Attorney Can Help an Amtrak Train Accident Victim
While this accident remains under investigation, if you are ever injured or your loved one is killed in a train accident or a derailment, speak to our attorneys.
Unfortunately, many train accidents occur due to human error or mechanical failure. By working with our attorneys, we can investigate if negligence contributed to an incident and if you have a potential injury claim.
Our firm has more than 30 years of experience working on behalf of people injured in transportation accidents in Washington, DC.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.