Train crash, West Bengal

This item appears on page 20 of the September 2010 issue.

Authorities are investigating a train crash at Sainthia station in West Bengal, India, that killed 63 people on July 19. The incoming Uttar Banga Express smashed into a stationary train after it failed to apply emergency brakes and entered the station at top speed in spite of repeated warnings to stop. Both the driver and his assistant were killed. Among possible causes is a switching error by railroad staff.

India Railways is owned and operated by the government.