train wreck n. a disaster or failure, especially one that is unstoppable or unavoidable; a disorganized, problematic, or chaotic person or thing; an incongruous situation. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
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To “a disaster or failure” I would add, “especially one that, though foreseen, is difficult or impossible to avert.”
The second definition, above, relating to a person, was used in a recent episode of Mad Men. I was curious if this usage was around in the early 60s. I don’t recall the first time I heard it, but it seems more recent. Anyone know?