Investigators flag pre-existing track fracture as cause in Spain high-speed derailment

A CIAF preliminary report on Spain’s deadly high-speed rail crash found a 40 cm gap in a straight track that likely existed before the derailment. Grooves and notches were observed on the Iryo train wheels that had passed over the section, and three earlier trains showed similar wear, suggesting the track fracture occurred prior to the crash. Carriage six derailed due to a lack of track continuity and collided with a Renfe train. The report is described as a working hypothesis, with officials noting that further analysis is needed. The disaster is Spain’s worst rail crash in over a decade.