Spain train collision investigators examine rail damage theory

Preliminary report suggests fracture could have existed before high-speed train derailed in Andalucia

Experts investigating the deadly rail collision in southern Spain, which killed 45 people and left dozens more injured, believe the accident may have happened after one of the trains passed over a damaged section of rail.

The disaster occurred near the Andalucian town of Adamuz on Sunday, when a high-speed train operated by Iryo, a private company, derailed and collided with an oncoming high-speed train operated by the state rail company, Renfe.