SNCF TGV train derails during test run

[reinhardtjh]

While testing a new line between Paris and Strasbourg a SNCF TGV train derailed, caught fire and fell from a bridge into a Marne-Rhine canal in Eckwersheim.  The train was carrying 49 employees of SNCF.  At least 10 are dead and most of the rest injured, at least 12 in serious condition.

https://www.rt.com/news/322054-tgv-train-derails-eckwersheim/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34822666

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/strasbourg-train-crash-carriages-derail-6832232

[eric220]

That aerial shot is impressive. It's a good illustration of how much energy is involved in that kind of incident. I'm trying to reconcile the fire on the bridge and the debris under the bridge with the scars from the sliding equipment, which would tend to indicate that the train derailed and left the right of way before it reached the bridge.

[reinhardtjh]

I'm guessing that the train derailed and the friction or perhaps damage from hitting something caused the fire.  I would also agree that the derailment had to have happened at some point before the bridge and at that point the train strayed far enough from the rails and roadbed to strike the bridge and fall into the canal.  Most news accounts claim sources say "excessive speed" as the cause, but I doubt anyone has had time to do any real investigation to prove that yet.

[RockGp40]

France can't catch a break. I sure hope the t word wasn't involved with this. 

[eric220]

France can't catch a break. I sure hope the t word wasn't involved with this. 

That's one of the few things officials are saying: no indications of terrorism. Really, it makes sense. Terrorists would probably go after a packed train at commute time, not a test train with a few SNCF employees.

[nkalanaga]

What is "excessive speed" for a TGV on newly built high-speed track?

One of the articles also said that the train apparently "caught fire before overturning", which sounds like a mechanical or electrical problem, rather than speed.  If the derailment caused the fire, it seems that it would have overturned first.