Spain’s Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes Ferroviarios (CIAF) has reported that a fracture in the running rail was likely present before a high-speed train derailed near Adamuz on 18 January. The incident occurred on the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed corridor. CIAF’s latest report sets out the initial technical findings from on-site inspections and early evidence analysis, while stressing that the investigation remains ongoing and its conclusions are not final. Notches found on the right wheel of axle 13 of the Iryo train (4th carriage, first axle of the first bogie) and possible point of collision with the rail head © CIAF According to the update, investigators identified a fracture in the right-hand rail at the point where the derailment originated. The commission states that physical evidence suggests the rail was already broken before the passage of the first train involved in the accident. One of the key indicators cited is the presence of uniform notches on the wheel treads of the affected train, particularly on the first axle of several bogies. Similar marks were also identified on wheels of other trains that had previously passed over the same section of track. CIAF states that these features are compatible with contact against a fractured rail surface. Rail sections from both sides of the fracture have been removed from the site and secured for further examination. Additional samples from adjacent, undamaged track have also been taken for comparison. These components will undergo metallurgical and structural testing at specialist laboratories to determine the nature of the fracture and establish whether factors such as material fatigue, welding defects or other causes played a role. CIAF notes that this analysis will be critical to confirming the preliminary hypothesis. The update makes clear that no conclusions have yet been reached regarding responsibility, maintenance practices or infrastructure management. Investigators are continuing to analyse onboard data recorders, infrastructure records and inspection histories as part of a wider technical assessment. The commission emphasises that its role is to identify causes and contributing factors with the sole aim of improving rail safety, rather than assigning blame. CIAF will now continue its investigation in parallel with judicial proceedings being conducted by the competent authorities. Further updates are expected as laboratory results and additional technical analyses become available. A final report, including any safety recommendations, will be published once the investigation is complete.
