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.
Subscribe to 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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Tesla cuts prices in 'intensifying' EV warSpeed Read Electric vehicle giant has struggled in the face of weakening demand, competition from China and technical setbacks
-
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay: unwind at this picture-perfect resortThe Week Recommends The retreat that's ideal for recharging your batteries while experiencing life on an Indonesian island
-
The World War Two experiments that made D-Day possibleUnder The Radar Scientists performed gruelling tests on themselves paving the way for the iconic invasion
