NTSB releases initial read out of Amtrack 188, it was racing along at 106 mph when the emergency brakes were engaged. Double that area's speed limit. American railroads can't handle that.

The Federal Railroad Administration says the speed limit in that section of track where the train derailed is 50 mph.

Sumwalt said the speed limit for the preceding section was 80 mph.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/05/13/406380166/ntsb-team-on-its-way-to-investigate-amtrak-derailment