A train accident or
train wreck is a type of
disaster involving two or more
trains. Train wrecks often occur as a result of
miscommunication, as when a moving train meets another train on the same track, when the wheels of train come off the
track or when a
boiler explosion occurs. Train accidents have often been widely covered in popular media and in
folklore.
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. This can involve train operators failing to adhere to
safety protocols, distraction, fatigue, impaired judgment, or inadequate training.
Mechanical failures – 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.[2]
Attack - Anyone such as
terrorists or shooters disrupted rail traffic such as
bombing or shooting on a train.[3]
Train wreck gallery
Train wreck in Rainy River District, Ontario, in the 1900s.