The findings of the National Organization for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM) regarding the tragic accident in Tempe were made public today.
The report notes that if the 717 contract had been completed in 2016, as planned, the safety systems would have been functioning normally and the accident would likely not have occurred. It also mentions abandonment of the railway, understaffing, and underfunding of critical infrastructure.
Answers are also given to two critical issues, concerning the accident and its management. The organization's investigators emphasize that an operational perimeter was not implemented, as well as proper mapping of the accident investigation area. "There was a loss of information necessary for understanding the causes and factors," the conclusion notes.
Of particular interest is the assessment of EODASAAM regarding the causes of the explosion and the pyrosphere. Initially, the conclusions show that the assessment of the forensic experts, regarding silicone oils in the engines as the cause of the explosion, is refuted. “The autopsy of the accident site was not carried out in the manner that was necessary in order to subsequently determine the fuel that caused the pyrosphere. Simulations were carried out, however, and the only thing we can say with certainty is what was officially transported on the train and the train lines cannot justify the pyrosphere,” the researchers said in the presentation. “Based on our observations, there is no indication that the technical equipment of the rolling stock involved caused the formation and expansion of the pyrosphere.” There was also talk of the possible presence of "unknown fuel" that appears to have contributed to the size of the pyrosphere: "Simulations and reports indicate the presence of unknown fuel in the accident," it was emphasized at the press conference.
Additionally, it was clarified that the number of victims who died in the fire is five to seven.
