Officials confirm Amtrak train was speeding along controversial section of track where locals warned of disaster

Accident killed 3, injured 100 others.

Officials are trying to figure out why an Amtrak train was traveling 49 miles per hour over the posted speed limit when it derailed in DuPont, Washington, killing three, and injuring more than 100 others. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Officials are investigating to find out why an Amtrak train derailed Monday, as it traversed a controversial section of track that was intended to shave 10 minutes off its run. The train's new line is intended to bypass traffic and bottlenecks, speeding up the commuter service from Seattle to Portland. 

At 7:40 AM, Amtrak 501 from Seattle to Portland was on its first run over the new section of the Cascade Route when it derailed on a bridge over the Interstate 5 freeway in DuPont, Washington. The passenger cars were packed with long-distance commuters.  The train appears to have been speeding, traveling around 80 MPH over a curved section of track and a bridge. The speed limit for that section was 30 MPH. 

Thirteen of the train's fourteen passenger cars derailed and folded against one another in accordion fashion. One tumbled off the overpass and fell directly onto the freeway below, striking five cars and two trucks. Three people were killed and at least 100 were injured. Several motorists were injured, but none killed. 

The train's locomotive is a new design called the "Charger." The Charger locomotive is outfitted with Positive Train Control (PTC) technology, which automatically slows the train when it is exceeding the speed limit. The system uses GPS and other sensors and can even stop a train if an obstacle is detected. However, the system was switched off, and was not due to be turned on until next year. 

There is also a rumor from an anonymous official that the train may have struck an object before derailing. However, nothing has been offered to support this claim. The anonymous official told the Associated Press he had been briefed by investigators. 

High speed is sufficient to cause a catastrophic derailment, especially when a train is moving 50 MPH in excess of its speed limit on a curve. 

The new section of track and route were tested last January and February. Local officials are on record as opposing the route, predicting an accident could happen. 

The new route includes a bypass that was built to route the trains around a busy section of track, thus eliminating delays, however, locals complained that the train crossing busy streets at speed could cause an accident. The most feared scenario was that a car would be struck while crossing. That scenario was pitched by the nearby mayor of Lakewood, Washington. Ron Anderson. Anderson warned Amtrak they should build overpasses instead of crossing streets, but officials ignored his request. "Come back when there is that accident and try to justify not putting in those safety enhancements," he said in opposition.  "Or, you can go back now and advocate for the money to do it, because this project was never needed and endangers our citizens."

While it appears obvious that the train derailed because it was traveling too fast around a bend, the reason for the excess speed remains unclear. A likely possibility is that the driver's attention may have lapsed, or the speed limit sign, which is posted two miles before the bend, was difficult to see in the morning twilight. There is also the possibility of mechanical malfunction, however, this has not been raised.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident and more details are expected within the next few days. 

It should also be noted that the new, faster service between Seattle and Portland is being referred to as "high speed" but this should not be confused with high-speed rail projects that are currently in the works in California and under consideration elsewhere in the United States. California's high-speed rail project is a higher caliber of service that will use bullet trains to safely transport passengers across the state at a fraction of the cost and time of driving.