Experimental train crashes
The week's news at a glance.
Doerpen, Germany
A futuristic, magnetic-levitation train derailed in northwestern Germany this week, killing 23 people. The high-speed “maglev” train was a demonstration vehicle used to show off the technology to potential buyers. It was going nearly 125 mph along a 20-mile test track when it slammed into a maintenance cart. Most of the passengers were train employees and their family members. Magnetic-levitation trains have superstrong magnets that keep them hovering just above the tracks, allowing them to race along without friction and reach speeds of more than 300 mph. Though maglev technology has been touted for years, the trains only operate commercially in two countries, China and Japan.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Denmark’s record-setting arms purchase raises eyebrows and anxiety
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By eschewing American-made munitions for their European counterparts, the Danish government is bracing for Russian antagonism and sending a message to the West
-
Is hate speech still protected speech?
Talking Points Pam Bondi’s threat to target hate speech raises concerns
-
‘Mental health care is health care’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day