Axle Box from the November 1998 Train Derailment in the Vecumnieki-Lāčplēsis Section

Despite the many safety measures, railway accidents still occur even nowadays. The reason behind one of the biggest railway accidents during the period of restored independence of the Republic of Latvia was technical shortcoming and difficulties with control mechanisms, which failed to stop the train. Looking at the deformed and melted axle box, you can only imagine the force of the train and the damage and tragedy technical deficiencies or carelessness can bring not only to material values but also to human lives. Fortunately, no people were injured in this accident, but the axle box serves as a good reminder of how fragile humans are in comparison with the mighty trains.