High-Speed Train Crash in Spain: 68 People Dead

At least 68 people died and two carriages derailed in a high-speed train collision between the central Spanish towns of Urda and Los Yebenes. The accident was reportedly caused by human error after a public utility worker fixing a signaling fault failed to warn an AVE high-speed train about an oncoming Iryo train.

At least 68 people were killed and two carriages derailed after a high-speed train crashed into the rear of a stationary train in central Spain on Wednesday. According to ABC News, the accident occurred as a result of human error, with claims that an official working to fix a signaling fault failed to transmit a warning to the AVE high-speed train regarding the approaching Iryo train.

As a result of the violent collision on a flat rural expanse between the towns of Urda and Los Yebenes, one of the vehicles was mangled and torn apart, with debris scattered across the gravel path. In 85 seconds of drone footage of the accident, the red-and-white and silver trains could be seen resting on the tracks, with numerous carriages derailed and tipped over the embankment.

Spanish Health Minister Mónica Garcia told TVE that emergency crews were focused on rescuing passengers trapped inside the two most heavily damaged carriages and recovering bodies. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his sorrow over the serious train crash in the Toledo region.