A high-speed train crashed near Santiago de Compostela, Spain, killing 78 passengers. Photo: Screenshot.

USA Today / AP – A high-speed train that derailed on a curve Wednesday night in northwestern Spain, and that has killed at least 78 passengers and injured 141 others, may have been traveling at more than twice the speed limit, Spanish media reported Thursday.

Spain’s El Pais newspaper said that it was told by the operator of the train that it was going 190km/h on the stretch of track that has a limit of 80km/h. Another Spanish newspaper, El Mundo, also reported that the train may have approached speeds of up to 190 km/h. But neither report has been confirmed and Spain’s national rail operator has not commented on the allegation. However, the Reuters news agency reported that the driver of the derailed train has now been put under formal investigation, adding to the suggestion that the driver’s actions may have had some role in the accident.

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