Washington DC Metro Train Accident

Timothy Smith — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:44:15 GMT

Various news outlets report that at least 9 people have died and up to 70 were injured when a Washington DC Metro train crashed into the rear of another train during the peak of rush hour traffic. Last night's crash occurred between the Takoma and Fort Totten stations.

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the crash. In fact, the National Transportation Board is investigating witness reports that the impacting train stopped briefly before accelerating and crashing.

Metro management wouldn't comment on how fast the train was travelling at the time of impact. The impact took place at a location with a sizable distance between rail stations where the trains can reach some of the highest speeds along the rail system.

The lead train was actually stopped at impact. Video from the scene showed the incoming train ontop of the stopped lead train. The impact was so severe, that it was reported on Larry King Live that one of the cars was at least 75% compressed.

For information on safe train travel and what you can do to help ensure your and others safety on public rail transport, click here.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Timothy Smith

Fun at the Zoo Ends for Indiana Family After Train Accident

David Mittleman — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:28:39 GMT

An Indiana family was expecting a fun day at The Louisville Zoo in Kentucky with their 2-year-old son, when things went terribly awry. While riding the zoo’s train, the family was thrown off of the ride and onto the ground when the driver took a sharp turn too quickly. The toddler was allegedly bleeding from his head, while another male family member that was with the family at the zoo, was pinned under a section of the train, which broke his leg in several places with bones protruding through his skin.

The train driver was reportedly 18, the minimum age required by state law for operating rides such as the train. The family described her as flustered and distracted and she allegedly came by to pick up their tickets twice, forgetting she had already asked them once before. The train engine and cars ultimately flipped over on their sides behind the zoo’s popular Gorilla Forest Exhibit with 30 passengers aboard.

The family has filed suit seeking monetary damages for physical and emotional pain, as well as a temporary court injunction to prevent the zoo from altering or destroying the train and any other photographs, videotapes, or reports or statements made after the incident. Twenty-two other adults and children were taken to the hospital as a result of the accident, but have all been released.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Michigan Personal Injury Blog - train accident

Washington DC Metro Train Accident

Fun at the Zoo Ends for Indiana Family After Train Accident