In 1974, a speeding express train derailed in Zagreb and killed 153 people
What was meant to be a routine journey for Yugoslav workers returning from West Germany turned into one of Europe's deadliest rail disasters when an express train entered a sharp curve at twice the speed limit.
On August 30, 1974, the Direct Orient Express derailed as it entered Zagreb's main station. The train was packed with over 400 passengers, many of whom were 'gastarbeiters' or guest workers traveling home for the holidays. Investigations revealed the train was traveling at 104 kilometers per hour in a zone restricted to 40.
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