This happened on 14 Nov 2015, but I only just heard about it.
A TGV test train was authorized to run at 10% over the official speed limit for test purposes. The automatic speed controls were disabled for this special test.
Approaching a junction with a speed restriction of 100mph, planned to be taken at 109mph for this test, braking was initiated 10 seconds too late and the train was traveling at an excessive speed of 151mph at the time of the crash.
A subsequent investigation revealed that there were seven people in the cab at the time of crash, and other unauthorized persons including children on the train. This suggests lack of diligence and attention in testing procedures.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eckwersheim_derailment
The derailment resulted in 11 deaths among those aboard, while the 42 others aboard the train were injured. It was the first fatal derailment in the history of the TGV and the third derailment since the TGV entered commercial service in 1981.
This is the same new TGV line (Paris - Strasbourg) on which a rail world speed record of 357mph was attained in April 2007. The official opening of the final section to Strasbourg was delayed until July 2016 because of the accident.
http://sncfsociety.org.uk/Site...ember_2015_News.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGV_Est
