Investigation Reveals Track Fracture Caused Spanish High-Speed Train Tragedy

Mon Feb 02 2026 15:25:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An initial report indicates a prior fracture in the railway track contributed to the deadly derailment of an Iryo train in Spain, claiming 45 lives and raising questions about safety measures in the high-speed rail system.

A recent investigation into the tragic derailment of an Iryo high-speed train in Spain, which resulted in 45 fatalities, has unveiled that a fracture in the track existed before the incident. This preliminary report suggests that multiple trains had previously traversed the compromised section, revealing significant grooves in their wheels. The disaster, regarded as one of Spain's worst rail tragedies in over a decade, raises serious concerns about railway safety protocols and the potential for undetected infrastructure issues.

An initial investigation has determined that a fracture in a straight section of track occurred prior to the passage of a high-speed train that derailed, leading to last Sunday's tragic incident in which 45 lives were lost.

The train operated by the private company Iryo derailed as its rear carriages crossed onto an opposing track, coming into contact with an oncoming state-owned Renfe train.

According to the CIAF rail investigation commission, not only were there notches present in the wheels of Iryo's front carriages, but earlier trains that had traveled over the fractured track showed similar signs of damage.

A gap of nearly 40 cm (15 in) in the rail has come under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.

The collision, which occurred at approximately 19:45 local time, was catastrophic, with the rear three carriages of the Iryo train derailing and colliding with the front of the Renfe train. Preliminary findings indicate that carriage six derailed due to a complete lack of continuity in the track.

Many victims were located in the front carriages of the Renfe train, resulting in its severe injuries and fatalities.

Earlier this week, Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed the discovery of grooves on the Iryo train's wheels, emphasizing that these findings correspond with the condition of the track as outlined in the CIAF's preliminary assessment.

It was noted that the tracks had been crossed by three trains just before the accident, each exhibiting similar wheel notches consistent with track damage.

As investigations continue, the CIAF has labeled its findings a working hypothesis requiring further detailed analysis and confirmation.

The transport minister stated to the press that while the focus points to track fracture as a cause, definitive conclusions remain premature, stressing that this critical fracture occurred shortly before the derailment.

This disastrous event marks the most severe rail accident in Spain in over ten years, echoing memories of the 2013 high-speed train derailment in Galicia that claimed 80 lives.

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