Spanish rail crash: investigators find broken rail joint

Investigators say technicians found a broken joint (fishplate) in the rails at the site of a Spanish high-speed train derailment that killed at least 39 people. Spain's rail accident commission has been tasked with the formal inquiry and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators have identified a damaged joint between rail sections at the site of a recent high-speed train derailment in southern Spain. The accident, near Adamuz in Córdoba province, killed at least 39 people and prompted a national inquiry. Officials and technicians on site reported wear on the rail joint, which they say created a gap that had widened over time. Key facts: - A source briefed on initial probes said technicians found wear and a broken fishplate (rail joint) that created a gap between rail sections. - The derailment involved two high-speed trains near Adamuz and resulted in at least 39 deaths, according to reporting. - Spain's Commission of Investigation of Rail Accidents (CIAF) is leading the formal inquiry; Adif and the transport ministry did not immediately comment. - A train drivers' union had warned ADIF last August about wear and problems on high-speed tracks in the area, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Summary: Investigators point to the faulty rail joint as a central element under examination in the probe into the derailment that caused significant loss of life. The national rail accident commission is conducting the formal investigation and officials describe the inquiry as ongoing. Undetermined at this time.