This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American Well, this is becoming an unfortunate trend.

Taiwan news agencies are reporting about a commuter train explosion with dozens injured. The explosion was reportedly caused by a “firecracker” type device put on the train by an unknown man. We are ...

In 1948, a devastating train explosion exposed a dangerous flaw in railcar design. Gas buildup inside the cars created the conditions for a catastrophic blast that killed dozens and shocked the ...