Train crash in Argentina leaves at least 49 dead

A train plowed through the barriers at the end of the line at the Once terminal train station in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, leaving 49 people dead and over 600 injured. A police spokesperson confirmed the number of dead, which could rise because some passengers are still in critical condition. The crash occurred during the morning rush hour, when the train cars were full of commuters. According to Buenos Aires emergency medical director, Alberto Crescenti, the train came into the station too fast and was unable to brake before hitting the barrier. Train cars behind the engine smashed into each other, twisting metal and blasting out windows. "The train entered the Once station at 26 kilometers per hour (16 mph)," Transport Secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi told the Telam news agency. "We suppose there was some flaw in the brakes." The engine's conductor survived the crash but was taken to the hospital and has not given any statements. The crash is Argentina's worst train disaster since a 1970 collision that killed 200 people. However, since December 2010, Argentina's rail system has been plagued by problems that have turned deadly in five incidents. From: DW