Broken Rail Causes Spain Train Crash Killing 45 People Near Adamuz

A preliminary report confirms a broken rail weld caused the high-speed train collision in Adamuz that killed 45 people. Investigators found that the fracture existed before the Iryo train derailed and struck an oncoming Renfe convoy, with similar damage appearing on other trains. Pedro Sanchez declared three days of mourning as the Partido Popular demanded the resignation of Oscar Puente after multiple recent rail accidents.Investigators discovered notches on the wheels of several carriages which indicate the track had already failed before the fatal impact occurred. The complex inquiry into material fatigue and maintenance practices is expected to take several months to complete.This tragedy follows other recent incidents in Spain including a fatal derailment in Barcelona and a collision with a crane in Cordoba. The high-speed network was largely developed with EU funding but has seen a recent rise in privatization and decreased investment.