Metro-North Train Was Speeding Prior to Crash

Investigators made the announcement today.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The Metro-North train that derailed in the Bronx yesterday morning took a 30 mile per hour curve at 82 miles per hour, according to National Transportation Safety Board investigators.

Four people were killed in the accident and over 60 were injured; the fatalities were the first in the line's 30-year history. Furthermore, investigators said they were not aware of any issues with the brakes. Earl Weener of the NTSB said that either human or mechanical error were likely the cause of the derailment. 

The Wall Street Journal notes that the fact that the train was traveling over 80 miles per hour suggests that it was already speeding when it hit the curve. This is because the speed limit for the section before the curve is 70 miles per hour.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo seems to agree. In an interview with The Today Show, he said speed will probably be identified as the cause. "It's a turn that's been here for decades, and [one that] trains negotiate all day long. It's not about the turn. I think it's going to turn out to be the speed, more than anything, and the operator's operation of the train at that time," he said. 

[via Wall Street Journal]

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