Hacker News Reader

Allegedly, some axles were already on fire 20 miles before the crash: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2023/02/10/...

Also a lack of proper physical safety measures. Known safety improvements that were recently blocked[0] specifically the requirement to run hazards/flammable liquids with ECP Brakes which reducing stopping distance by >50% and also prevent cars from building pressure in between better braking cars and derailing.

[0] https://www.levernews.com/rail-companies-blocked-safety-rule...

Having taken a few rides on America’s rails, I don’t think it needs any sabotage. It’s collapsing on its own.

That's what makes it such a great target. The decaying state of our infrastructure makes it easy to sabotage in subtle ways and then blame it on negligence.