Fox Channel 5 DC has been reporting the struck train was empty on the track and was hit full speed by the passenger filled train.
If those reports are accurae this sounds like a horrible tragedy made by a combination of human and technological error. Not that the casue will make a bit of differene to those who are hurt and the families of those who have lost a loved-one.
I know that the train that was struck, and the train that rammed the train in front were on the same track, traveling in the same direction.
I cannot imagine that the train struck was empty. Reports here have said that the train struck was awaiting entrance into the Ft. Totten Metro Station.
It was rush hour, and no train should have been parked on a working track that was empty or unmonitored.
Odd if true however.