An inquiry into a tragic train incident resulting in the death of 45 individuals has uncovered track cracks. The initial findings from the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) revealed the presence of “nicks” on the wheels and “deformations” on the tracks at the site of the accident in Cordoba, located in southern Spain. These indications are said to be in line with a potential track fracture.
In addition to the fatalities, over 150 individuals sustained injuries during the collision between two trains traveling at approximately 130mph (209km/h) in Adamuz. Samples of the railway will be analyzed in a laboratory to identify possible causes of the track fracture. The commission investigating the accident stated that it is exploring all potential scenarios.
The accident occurred at 7:45 pm last Sunday when the rear portion of a train carrying 289 passengers from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train from Madrid to Huelva. The first two carriages of the second train bore the brunt of the impact, with some bodies discovered several hundred meters away from the crash site, as mentioned by Andalusia regional President Juanma Moreno.
Visuals depicted the separated first two cars of the second train beside the tracks, with train seats scattered on the ground. Further inspection by Civil Guard officers inside the first train was carried out with the assistance of dogs, while passengers’ belongings were strewn across the floor.
Juanma Moreno expressed deep sorrow over the incident, particularly acknowledging the significant loss experienced by Huelva province. Following the tragic events, a Barcelona commuter train also faced an accident, resulting in one fatality and 37 injuries after a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks just two days after the Cordoba tragedy.