Worst U.S. train crashes in recent history

On July 2, 2015, a train carrying toxic industrial materials from Cincinnati to Georgia derailed in eastern Tennessee, joining the ranks of terrible U.S. train crashes in recent memory. While no one was killed or injured in the derailment, it produced a toxic flume of smoke, which forced 5,000 residents within a two-mile radius of the crash site to evacuate their homes.

The derailed car was carrying acrylonitrile, a hazardous material used when making plastics. It is dangerous if inhaled. So, over a dozen first responders were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment after exposure to the chemical. Multiple local businesses were also shut down as a precaution.

Maryville City Manager Greg McClain said there's no indication yet whether well water has been affected by the incident. As such, residents are being urged to drink bottled water until more information is available.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On May 12, 2015, an Amtrak passenger train carrying more than 200 passengers from Washington, DC to New York derailed just north of Philadelphia on the Northeast Corridor. Passengers reportedly heard a loud bang and described what felt like a wide turn, before the train ultimately flipped on its side and skidded off the tracks.

The speed limit on the bend where the derailment occurred is 55 mph. However, preliminary data released by the NTSB, May 13, 2015, shows that the train had exceeded 100 mph before the crash. Further calibrations are being conducted.

With seven confirmed dead and nearly 200 injured, this derailment ranks highly on the list of the most terrible train crashes in U.S. history.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On February 3, 2015, a Metro-North train slammed into an SUV on the tracks at railroad crossing, about 20 miles north of New York City.

The crash started a fire in the train cars that killed six people, including the driver of the vehicle.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On December 1, 2013, a Metro-North train derailed on a curved section of track in the Bronx borough of New York City, killing four people and injuring 63 as it came to rest just inches from the water.

Here, the wreckage of that commuter train lies on its side, just north of the Valhalla, New York's Spuyten Duyvil station.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On September 12, 2008, a Metrolink commuter train failed to stop at a red light near Chatsworth, California, causing it to collide head-on with an oncoming freight train.

The crash killed 25 people, including a police officer, and injured 135 others. Investigators concluded that the train's engineer had been texting while on duty.

Here, a fire erupts as workers try to clear the wreckage.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On January 26, 2005, a pair of crowded commuter trains smashed into each other in Glendale, California, when a suicidal man drove his SUV onto the tracks.

One train struck the SUV, then derailed into the other. Eleven people were killed and nearly 200 injured, as a result.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On March 15, 1999, an Amtrak train collided with a semi-trailer truck, then derailed near Bourbonnais, Illinois.

Eleven people were killed and about 100 injured.

Here, rescue workers search the wreckage of the derailed Amtrak "Spirit of New Orleans" for survivors, 50 miles south of Chicago.

Worst U.S. train crashes

Here, cars from an Amtrak train lie off the tracks in Silver Spring, MD, after an Amtrak train collided with a Marc commuter train, February 16, 1996.

Six people were killed and 14 injured in the accident, which occurred just north of Washington, DC.

Worst U.S. train crashes

Here, an Amtrak passenger train rests atop a railroad tressel that broke during a storm, causing an early morning derailment 13 miles East of Kingman, Arizona, August 9, 1997.

Nearly 100 people were injured, but luckily no one was killed in the accident.

Worst U.S. train crashes

Here, the Amtrak "Silver Meteor" lies on its side after derailing in Kissimmee, Florida, November 30, 1993.

The derailment occurred after the train collided with a tractor-trailer carrying a 150-ton generator.

An estimated 80 of the 103 passengers aboard the Tampa, Florida to New York-bound train were wounded in the wreck.

Worst U.S. train crashes

On September 22, 1993, a barge struck a railroad bridge near Mobile, Alabama, causing the train tracks there to bend.

Minutes later, a passing Amtrak train hit the bent tracks and consequently plunged into the bayou, killing 47 people.