(Image source: The Telegraph)

BY: TRACY PFEIFFER

ANCHOR: JIM FLINK

The latest numbers on the bullet train collision in China put the death toll above thirty -- and injuries at nearly 200.

China’s state-run Xinhua reports the first train was struck by lightning and lost power.

As it slowed a second train smashed into it from behind, derailing four cars and knocking two -- 60 to 100 feet off a bridge. (Video: Sky News)

The LA Times says it’s difficult to know how fast the second train was going.

“... the trains were part of China’s first generation of high-speed rail. Top speeds reached 155 mph. By comparison, the speed on the Beijing-Shanghai line is 186 mph.”

And when looking at the “Why?” of the tragedy, many news media are digging up possible warning signs.

The Guardian notes -- China’s railway -- and its officials have come under scrutiny in recent months.

“Three railway officials have been investigated for corruption so far this year, according to local media reports ... The flagship Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line that opened earlier this month has been plagued by power outages, leaving passengers stranded for hours on stuffy trains on at least three times since it was opened." 

China also sacked its railway minister back in February for quote- “serious disciplinary violations” believed to be involving quote- “shoddy” construction.

But The New York Times reports -- the complaints seem to have prompted change from the government for newer projects.

“Construction on new lines has slowed since the new team leading the ministry began focusing efforts on improving safety. A high-speed line … is months behind schedule because officials are now making safety a high priority, according to interviews with subcontractors working on the project. They said that in the past, safety was not considered as important." 

Chinese officials have said the struck train was carrying between 1,300 and 1,400 passengers. 

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Transcript by Newsy.