Spain train crash impact speed up to 200 km/h, preliminary report suggests

A preliminary investigation into a deadly high-speed train collision in Spain has found that the Renfe train involved was travelling at an estimated 160 to 200 kilometres per hour when it crashed into the back of a stationary Iryo train. The accident happened near Urda in Toledo province on Wednesday, along the high-speed railway connecting Madrid with southern Spain. According to the initial report, several carriages derailed or overturned, with some falling down an embankment. Investigators also identified a failure in the railway’s LZB automatic train protection system, which had been offline since 8:31 a.m. This forced trains to operate using alternative procedures based on trackside signals and telephone instructions.

The investigation authority said a chain of failures, instructions and actions may have contributed to the collision, but stressed that it is too early to determine the exact cause. Investigators will examine the signalling breakdown, safety procedures and other possible contributing factors before issuing a final report, which could take up to a year. As of Thursday, the death toll had reached 69, while 50 injured people remained in hospital.

Source: CGTN