Train wreck near D.C.
The week's news at a glance.
Kensington, Md.
An Amtrak train derailed this week, critically injuring six passengers and banging up 95 more. Witnesses heard “a lot of loud banging” as part of Amtrak’s 13-car Capitol Limited jumped the tracks at 60 mph, and skidded to a stop 20 feet short of a house. “Things were just flying all through the air,” said passenger Craig Roberts of Wisconsin. The train was nearing the end of its Chicago to Washington, D.C., run, with 161 passengers and 12 crew members aboard. Investigators said 99-degree heat may have caused a rail to buckle, although they have not ruled out other causes.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
August 10 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include a global plastics problem, GOP enthusiasm over tariffs, and more
-
5 thin-skinned cartoons about shooting the messenger
Cartoons Artists take on unfavorable weather, a look in the mirror, and more
-
Is Trump's new peacemaking model working in DR Congo?
Talking Point Truce brokered by the US president in June is holding, but foundations of a long-term peace have let to be laid