A train wreck, train collision, train accident or train crash is a type of
disaster involving one or more
trains. Train wrecks often occur as a result of miscommunication, as when a moving train meets another train on the same track; or an accident, such as when train wheels come off a
track in a
derailment; or when a
boiler explosion occurs. Train wrecks have often been widely covered in popular media and in folklore.[citation needed]
A
head-on collision between two trains is colloquially called a "cornfield meet" in the United States.[1]
Causes
Train accidents can occur due to a range of factors, including one or more of the following:
Human error – One of the leading causes of train accidents is human error.[2] This can involve train operators failing to adhere to safety protocols, distraction, fatigue, impaired judgment, or inadequate training.
Mechanical failures[3] – Equipment malfunctions or failures, such as faulty brakes, defective signaling systems, or problems with locomotives or railcars, can contribute to train accidents.
Track and infrastructure issues – Poorly maintained tracks, inadequate inspection procedures, or infrastructure deficiencies like weakened bridges or faulty switches can lead to accidents.
Weather conditions – Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, snowstorms, or extreme heat, can impact track conditions, visibility, and the overall safety of train operations.
Sabotage - People who break, place something, or destroy tracks, this is called
rail sabotage.[4]
Attack - Anyone such as terrorists or shooters disrupted rail traffic such as bombing or shooting on a train.[5]
Train wreck gallery
Train wreck in Rainy River District, Ontario, in the 1900s.
^Shiner, Attorney David (2021-03-02).
"Top 10 Causes of Train Accidents". Shiner Law Group Personal Injury Lawyers & Accident Attorneys. Retrieved 2023-06-07.