Post by : Saif Rahman

A recent investigation has revealed that a railway track fracture likely occurred prior to a catastrophic high-speed train crash in southern Spain earlier this week. This information stems from a preliminary report issued by Spain’s rail accident investigation authority, CIAF.

The unfortunate incident took place on Sunday near Adamuz, in the Córdoba province, involving two high-speed trains and leading to 45 fatalities, marking one of Europe's most severe rail disasters in recent memory.

According to the findings, an Iryo-operated high-speed train first derailed after traversing a compromised section of track, subsequently colliding with another high-speed train operated by Spain’s state-owned Renfe. The crash left both trains extensively damaged and has sparked national outrage and grief.

CIAF's initial findings suggest there is compelling evidence that the track fractured before the Iryo train passed over it, indicating that the derailment was likely caused by the pre-existing damage rather than the impact itself. Investigators emphasized that while this remains a working hypothesis, the definitive cause is yet to be confirmed.

The report outlined noticeable damage patterns on the wheels of the Iryo train, where several on the right side bore similar marks correlating with the broken rail section at the crash site. This implies that as the train progressed, its wheels hit the top of the fractured track.

Similar wheel damage was also identified on other trains that had traveled through the same stretch of rail prior to the disaster, raising critical concerns about track safety and the potential oversight of existing damage before the tragedy.

As of now, CIAF has not dismissed any potential reasons behind the rail fracture. Officials have announced plans for comprehensive technical evaluations, material testing, and maintenance record reviews in the forthcoming weeks. The investigation is anticipated to be thorough, with specialists meticulously analyzing what transpired.

Spain’s Transport Ministry has yet to provide commentary on the preliminary findings. Meanwhile, Iryo’s majority stakeholder, the Italian state-run Ferrovie dello Stato, has opted not to respond to the report.

As communities grieve the loss of life, there are increasing calls for transparency and enhanced safety protocols to avert future tragedies. Authorities have vowed to conduct a comprehensive and open investigation to ascertain accountability and bolster rail safety nationwide.

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