Train Crash in Spain: At Least 68 People Dead

In the Urda region of Spain, at least 68 people died and 80 were injured when a high-speed express train collided with another train stopped on the tracks. Recorded as the deadliest railway accident in Europe since 2013, an investigation has been launched regarding the incident.

In the accident that occurred on Wednesday in Spain, a high-speed train collided with another stationary train while in motion. Following the collision in the region south of Madrid, rescue teams continue searching the wreckage. Regional government head Emiliano García-Page announced that the death toll rose to 68, while Health Minister Monica Garcia stated that 15 of the 80 injured are in critical condition. A Castilla-La Mancha government spokesperson reported that there were 147 passengers on the Iryo train and 397 passengers on the Renfe service train at the time of the accident, and two Iryo carriages derailed due to the collision.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that a red signal was lit on the route where the accident occurred due to a malfunction in the computer communication system and traffic was automatically stopped, but an erroneous decision was subsequently made for the Renfe train to proceed. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated in a televised speech that the country is in mourning, emphasizing that the disaster will be meticulously investigated and all emerging negligence will be pursued. Following the catastrophe, railway operator Renfe announced that ticket sales on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed corridor have been suspended until December 13.