In May 2015, an Amtrak Northeast Regional train, numbered 188, derailed while traveling through Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The train was carrying approximately 238 passengers and crew members when it left the tracks near the Frankford Junction around 9:20 PM. As a result of the derailment, the train's first seven cars, including the engine, were significantly impacted, with multiple cars tipping over. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight passengers and injuries to more than 200 individuals, some critically. Emergency services worked diligently to extract trapped passengers and provide immediate medical attention to the injured.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. The investigation that followed pointed to excessive speed as a primary factor in the derailment; the train was reported to be traveling at 106 mph entering a 50 mph curve. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an extensive investigation that examined various factors, including train signals and track conditions, as well as the role of human error. This accident became one of the deadliest in Amtrak's history, raising questions about rail safety and the need for improved infrastructure and technology in the rail system.

In the wake of the derailment, discussions about train safety regulations emerged prominently, leading to an examination of the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), a technology designed to automatically slow down trains to prevent such accidents. Various government officials and organizations began advocating for funding and policy changes to enhance rail safety measures. This incident ultimately spurred a nationwide conversation about the prioritization of infrastructure updates in the United States, especially concerning rail transport security and technology.