Spain begins three-day mourning after second deadly high-speed train crash kills 68
Briefing by News4U · First published
A Renfe train struck a stationary Iryo train near Urda, killing 68 and injuring scores. Officials cite an unexplained control-centre error.
Spain began three days of national mourning on Thursday after a Renfe high-speed train struck a stationary Iryo train near Urda, killing 68 people and injuring scores, including 15 seriously. The crash occurred on the Madrid-Andalusia line around 8:53 a.m. Wednesday. [1] [2] [3]
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said an automatic control system failed on a 63-69 km stretch, stopping all trains, but the control centre later ordered the Renfe train to resume at full speed despite an active stop signal. He called the decision “inexplicable.” [2] [3]
Sources
- Spain begins mourning period after deadly train crash
The Guardian · · Full text
- Spain reckons with 2nd deadly train crash of the year ahead of national election
NPR World (Associated Press) · · Excerpt
- 'Desolation, despair': Spain begins three days of mourning after deadly train crash
France 24 English · · Full text