An inquiry into a tragic train incident that resulted in the death of 45 individuals has uncovered track fractures.
The initial findings from the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) revealed the presence of “nicks” on the train wheels and “deformations” on the tracks where the incident occurred in Cordoba, a city in southern Spain. According to the report, these indications are “consistent with track fracture.”
Additionally, over 150 individuals sustained injuries in the collision that occurred in Adamuz, involving two trains traveling at approximately 130mph (209kmh). Samples of the railway will undergo laboratory analysis to ascertain the potential causes of the track fracture. The commission overseeing the investigation stated that it is considering all possible scenarios.
The crash transpired at 7:45 pm last Sunday when the rear section of a train carrying 289 passengers on its journey from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an incoming train from Madrid to Huelva, another southern city, as reported by rail operator Adif.
The front portion of the second train, which was transporting 184 passengers, absorbed the brunt of the impact, causing the first two carriages to veer off the track and descend a four-meter embankment. Some bodies were discovered hundreds of meters away from the crash site, as per Andalusia regional President Juanma Moreno.
Visual evidence displayed the wreckage of the initial two cars of the second train, separated from the remainder of the train and lying adjacent to the tracks. Seats from the train were thrown onto the rocks supporting the tracks.
Further down the railway line, officers from the Civil Guard inspected the interior of the first train with canine units, while passengers’ belongings were scattered throughout the compartment. The last carriage was overturned on the tracks, and the second-to-last carriage was tilted to one side with all its windows shattered.
Mr. Moreno conveyed his deep sorrow over the tragic events, particularly emphasizing the impact on Huelva province, where the majority of the deceased individuals hailed from. He expressed condolences and gratitude towards volunteers, rescue teams, emergency responders, and blood donors for their efforts.
In a separate incident just two days after the Cordoba tragedy, a commuter train in Barcelona collided on Tuesday after a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks, resulting in one fatality and 37 injuries, according to Spanish regional authorities.