10 Years After Amtrak Crash at Frankford Junction That Killed 8 People
On the evening of May 12, 2015, a tragic accident unfolded as Amtrak Train 188 raced towards New York City, equipped with seven passenger cars. The train, navigating through Port Richmond, accelerated to an alarming 106 mph in a 50 mph zone, approaching a dangerous curve at Frankford Junction. This pivotal moment led to the deadliest rail crash in the history of the Northeast Corridor in a generation.
At approximately 9:21 p.m., as the train entered the curve, the engineer responded to the perilous situation by attempting to engage the emergency brakes. Passengers on board, many engrossed in personal electronics or conversations, experienced an alarming shift in momentum, transforming their serene journey into chaos. The sudden violent jolt caused belongings—laptops, phones, and personal items—to fly through the cabin. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of utter upheaval as passengers were thrown violently against windows and overhead luggage racks, with injuries exacerbated by the lateral force that exceeded the design protections of train cars.
The aftermath was harrowing. Screams echoed amidst the wreckage, where injured passengers reported the acrid scent of burnt rubber, and the shattered glass crunched underfoot. First responders at the scene acted swiftly, transporting injured riders to hospitals in police vehicles and SEPTA buses, ultimately leading to widespread medical treatment across Philadelphia.
This incident resulted in the loss of eight lives out of the 253 individuals on board, while over 150 passengers sustained injuries. The financial implications for Amtrak were significant, with damages estimated at more than .84 million. In a remarkably large settlement following the incident, Amtrak agreed to pay approximately 5 million to victims of the derailment.
A year-long investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the accident was primarily due to the engineer’s loss of situational awareness, exacerbated by distractions relating to radio communications about an earlier incident involving a SEPTA train. Attempts to charge the engineer with criminal negligence ultimately failed, as a jury acquitted him of all serious charges.
The report noted the absence of positive train control (PTC), an automatic braking system designed to prevent such catastrophes. Following the accident, PTC was subsequently installed on all Amtrak-controlled trains. Additionally, enhancements were made to improve the structural integrity of train cars, including more durable windows to ensure passenger safety.
In the aftermath, individuals like Eli Kulp, a renowned chef who was paralyzed as a result of the derailment, have shared their ongoing struggles with mental health and a profound sense of loss. Years later, Kulp, grappling with the shift in identity following the crash, has expressed the necessity of finding new avenues to create impact and connection.
The events of May 12, 2015, serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the continued need for vigilance in the railway industry, underscoring the human element that defines the engineer’s profession amidst an imperfect operational environment.
Media News Source
