Deadly Rail Crash Revives Questions About Amtrak’s Safety Record
- Wreck near Seattle was its third fatal one in as many years
- Train was traveling 80 miles per hour in 30 mph zone: NTSB
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The deadly Amtrak crash in Washington state marked the railroad’s third fatal accident in as many years, putting the passenger rail operator under fresh scrutiny less than a month after safety regulators issued a scathing report.
Bound for Portland, Oregon, Amtrak train 501 was traveling 50 miles per hour over the posted speed limit when it derailed Monday morning south of Seattle. Several rail cars plunged off an overpass, hitting vehicles below on the busy Interstate 5. At least three people died, 13 cars jumped the track and Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency.