BREAKING: Investigators: Amtrak train exceeded 100 mph before derailing on curve with 50 mph limit.
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 13, 2015
PHILADELPHIA – An Amtrak train that derailed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night was apparently traveling at more than 100 miles per hour at the time of the crash, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188, which was en route from Washington, D.C., to New York City, reportedly approached a tight curve at Frankford Junction at 100 miles per hour. The Federal Railroad Administration lists a speed limit for that section of track at 50 miles per hour, the Journal reported.
According to the newspaper, Amtrak officials have already told their employees that they believe speed contributed to the accident.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D) on Wednesday announced that a federal investigation of the crash was underway. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting its own analysis at the scene, he added.
Seven peopled were killed and more than 100 wounded during the crash late Tuesday.
NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt said his team would be focusing on the train’s speed during its investigation.
Other evidence, he said, would come from the corridor’s tracks, vehicle camera footage, area train signals and witnesses.
“Our purpose here is to collect the perishable evidence, the evidence that will disappear with the passage of time,” Sumwalt said.
“We have lots of work that needs to be done,” he added. “My goal is to provide you with factual information as we have it.” (read more)
NTSB confirms preliminary data shows #Amtrak train speed exceeded 100 mph prior to derailment. Further calibrations are being conducted.
— NTSB (@NTSB) May 13, 2015
.@FoxNews confirms train engineer declined to answer questions from Philadelphia police. #Amtrak188
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) May 13, 2015