Here as an example of derailment damage a picture from the derailment that originally piqued my interest in rail breaks. Heavier train but low speed.
And one from my hometown at the time.

Torn fasteners? Actually on the left picture the entire rail has been torn off. Didn't see that at first but derailment on concrete sleepers often results in damage to them.

Looking at the internet a major contract for refurbishment seems to be ongoing currently with Convesa as the contractor. That contract doesn't have to be specifically about the rails but this is not new infrastructure.
Having said that even old track is normally safe.

I believe fatigue is one factor but also manufacturing defects and previous damage from wheels. The line opened in 1992. It is quite likely that the line has already gone through it's first set of rails, at least in parts.

That's likely because that is how a bigger rail breaks usually look.

I mean they were expecting Tony Blair but seems they'll be getting Trump, Putin, Lukasjenko, Tokayev, Orban etc..

..and I am no diplomat but for things like this I think you sort of line the candidates up ahead of the declaration rather than just put all the world leaders in cc: when you send the press release.

"Year of the cabbage" could actually be a headline straight out of the Крестьянка..

And this a slightly newer one.

www.gw2ru.com/education/10...

Another crucial difference is that in the 19th century most of the competing powers were authoritarian whereas today the majority are democracies.
While there are exceptions it seems likely that today's powers in aggregate would be less belligerent and more interested in keeping peace.

Thanks! Interesting reasoning but certainly it applies in particular to the US who intends to leave the system. There would be considerable incentive for "the rest of the west" to step up and take over the role. Will it be successful? Maybe, maybe not but assuming it would splinter seems too bleak.

At least few of the others are unlikely to get the far right in such a dominant position. Hungary is the only place it happened I think.