Train Derailment
In short
A train derailment occurs when a rail vehicle, such as a locomotive or carriage, leaves its tracks and moves off the rails.
In plain words
This happens when the wheels of a train no longer sit correctly on the metal rails. It can be caused by broken tracks, speed, or mechanical faults. It often stops all trains from moving on that line.
A simple example
A heavy freight train travelling too fast around a sharp bend causes its wheels to jump off the steel tracks and into the gravel.
Why it matters
Derailments can cause serious injuries or damage to expensive equipment. They also cause massive delays for passengers and goods being moved across the country.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this with a collision, which is when two separate trains or vehicles hit each other.