The Amtrak train that derailed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night may have been speeding at more than double the legal limit before it jumped off the tracks, resulting in seven deaths and scores of injuries.
A
Wall Street Journal report says the train may have entered a sharp left turn at more than 100 miles per hour. The speed limit on that section of the track reportedly is 50 mph.
Citing two sources, the Journal reports that federal investigators are looking into whether excessive speed played a factor in the deadly accident. All eight cars on the train — the locomotive and seven passengers cars — went off the tracks.
Seven people are confirmed dead and more than 200 are injured, including eight people who are listed in critical condition.
The Journal's sources say Amtrak officials said on a Wednesday conference call that excessive speed might have been a contributing factor in the crash.
The train originated in Washington, D.C., and was bound for New York City. Shortly after leaving Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, the train derailed.
Several people have pointed to the nation's
aging infrastructure as a reason for this derailment and others. Amtrak is subsidized by the federal government.
New York City Mayor
Bill de Blasio, meanwhile, said Tuesday's crash was a wake-up call for the country and its old rail system.
"We won't be able to compete in the world or create the jobs we need without an infrastructure that's truly modern," de Blasio said. "Right now we are just putting Band-Aids on a failing infrastructure."
Real estate mogul Donald Trump, a Republican who is considering running for president next year, said he could fix the country's infrastructure:
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