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Amtrak train was travelling at 80 mph in 30 mph zone
The Amtrak that derailed Monday morning in Washington State, killing three people and injuring dozens more, was traveling at a speed of 80 mph (130 km) in a 30 mph zone, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed.
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The data recorder in the rear locomotive provided information about the train’s speed, NTSB board member Bella Dinh-Zarr said during a press conference. “It’s too early to tell” why the Amtrak 501 train was travelling so fast or why it derailed on its inaugural ride, Dinh-Zarr added.
The train engineer was supposed to slow down when approaching the curve where the train was crossing the interstate, the Seattle Times reported, citing state transportation department spokeswoman Barbara LaBoe.
The speed limit signs are placed ahead of the zone, one two miles ahead and another just before the curve. “Engineers are trained to slow trains according to posted speeds,” she said.
