Spain train derailment may have been caused by major track failure, report says

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseJanuary 23, 2026 at 02:11 PM

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An investigation into last weekend's high-speed train collision in Spain has found that a major track failure may have caused the derailment. The preliminary report published on Friday suggests that cracks were detected in the track before the accident occurred. The Iryo train, which derailed and collided with another train, had notches in its wheels and deformation in the track, findings compatible with a cracked track. The incident, which killed 45 people, is one of Europe's deadliest such accidents this century. It has raised concerns about the safety of Spain's high-speed rail network. The investigation committee has proposed a "working hypothesis" that the track was cracked before the accident.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Guardia Civil 30% Adamuz 40% CIAF rail accident investigation committee 50% Andalusia 60% Renfe 70% Iryo ×480% Spain ×290%

Keywords

train derailment 100% track failure 90% high-speed train 80% spain 70% cracked track 60% rail accident investigation 60% train collision 50% iryo train 50% rail network safety 40%