Chinese High-Speed Trains Collide, Derail
WMATA Subsidiary Experiences Déjà Vu

(Wenzhou, CHINA) — A deadly train accident on July 23, 2011 thrust Metro (the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA) back into the spotlight. But unlike June 22, 2009, this accident did not happen on the Red. Or the Orange Line, Blue Line, Yellow Line, or Green Line, either. It happened in eastern China.

At least 43 people were killed near Wenzhou when one stalled high-speed train was rammed by another from behind. Six cars derailed and over 200 people were injured.

Accusations within China focused mainly on inferior workmanship, rampant bureaucracy and corruption. Some government officials went so far as to blame lightning for the tragedy, even though there were no storms reported in the vicinity at the time of the wreck. Most of those accusing the government of any improprieties were immediately rounded up and executed.

It will be harder for the Chinese government to execute the owners of the parent company of its high-speed rail system: WMATA. The transit system whose train operators ignored the alarms from their own safety system also owns and operates the Chinese high-speed rail system.

On June 22, 2009, while ignoring the safety alarms, two 1000-series trains collided, murdering eight civilians and one Metro employee. The 1000-series trains, rated "uncrashworthy" by the National Transportation Safety Board, currently make up 25% of Metro's fleet. WMATA could not say how if any 1000-series trains were involved in the Chinese crash.

"WMATA stands by its exemplary safety record and outstanding customer service," said a WMATA spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity. "While the events in Wenzhou are heartbreaking, we all need to keep in mind that the Chinese high-speed rail system carries hundreds of thousands of passengers each day, and most live to tell about it. It's eerie how this all seems so familar to us at WMATA."

"And speaking of train wrecks," continued the WMATA spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, "we'd like to express our condolences to the family of Amy Winehouse."