The Economist explains | A train crash in Argentina

Bad luck or negligence?

A train crash in Buenos Aires kills 49

By D.S. | BUENOS AIRES

ON FEBRUARY 22nd a passenger train whose brakes had reportedly failed crashed into the platform at the end of its route in one of the principal rail stations in Buenos Aires. So far, 50 people have been confirmed dead, and nearly 700 more are injured. The accident is one of the deadliest in Argentine history. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the president, declared two days of national mourning and suspended an event in response to the news.

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