An inquiry into a tragic train incident that resulted in the death of 45 individuals has revealed the presence of fractures on the railway track.
The initial findings from the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) indicated the existence of “nicks” on the train wheels and “deformations” on the tracks at the location of the accident in Cordoba, in southern Spain. The report suggested that these observations are indicative of a fractured track.
Additionally, over 150 people sustained injuries in the collision that occurred in Adamuz, involving two trains traveling at approximately 130mph (209kmh). Samples of the rail will be analyzed in a laboratory to identify potential causes of the track fracture, with the accident commission keeping all possibilities open.
The incident occurred at 7:45 pm on a Sunday when the rear portion of a train carrying 289 passengers from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train heading from Madrid to Huelva. The front of the second train, with 184 passengers onboard, bore the brunt of the impact, causing the first two carriages to veer off the track and tumble down a four-meter slope. Some bodies were discovered hundreds of meters away from the crash site, as reported by Andalusia regional President Juanma Moreno.
Visual evidence displayed the wreckage of the initial two cars of the second train, detached from the rest of the train and resting beside the tracks, while train seats were scattered on the rocks beneath the tracks. Further investigations along the route involved Civil Guard officers inspecting the interior of the first train with canine units, amidst scattered passenger belongings. The aftermath showed the last carriage on its side and the second-to-last carriage tilted with shattered windows.
Mr. Moreno conveyed his deep condolences over the tragedy, emphasizing the significant impact on Huelva province, where more than half of the deceased individuals were from. He acknowledged the dedication of volunteers, rescue teams, and blood donors in the response efforts.
Meanwhile, just two days following the Cordoba incident, a Barcelona commuter train accident occurred when a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks, resulting in one fatality and 37 injuries, according to Spanish regional authorities.