USA:
Coal train that killed teenager was "speeding"

An 80 car coal train which derailed on Sunday January 30 crashing into a house and killing a 15

photo : AP

Wheel slippage It is not yet known if the train was under power or if the brakes had been applied. At the time of the derailment, there was a slight snowfall which may have made the tracks greasy. On the 17-mile, 2.4 per cent downhill grade, this could have caused wheel slippage. This in turn could undermine attempts by the crew to slow the train. As well as weather conditions, the NTSB is also investigating train handling by the three-man crew and possible mechanical failure.

year old boy was travelling at more than twice the limit set for that section of the line.

Seventy-six of the train's cars, each laden with 120 tons of coal left the rails in the accident which occurred at 06:30. At least one struck the house in Bloomington, Maryland. The force of the impact pushed the house off its foundations.

Rescue workers, using dogs searched for twelve hours through spilled coal and debris piled 20 feet high. The body of the teenager was eventually found in the destroyed living room of the house. The boy's mother was seriously injured. Her eighteen year old daughter and a man and his daughter recieved less serious injuries.

Earlier story

Teenager dies as CSX coal train demolishes house
30/01/2000

Web sources:

Maryland Train Was Traveling At Twice Speed Limit Before Crash
Salt Lake Tribune 01/02/2000

Rescue workers sift through the wreckage at the site of a coal train derailment
Excite 30/01/2000