Spain begins three days of mourning after train crash kills at least 68
Briefing by News4U · First published
Spain opened three days of national mourning after a Toledo high-speed crash killed at least 68 people; Sánchez vowed a firm response if safety failures are confirmed amid an investigation into an "inexplicable" control-centre decision.
Spain began three days of official mourning after at least 68 people were killed and dozens injured when a Madrid-to-Seville high-speed train struck a stationary train near Urda in Toledo province on Wednesday morning, the BBC and Euronews reported. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the whole of Spain was grieving and announced the mourning period for the victims. [1] [2]
Transport minister Óscar Puente said the Iryo train with 147 passengers had stopped after a computer failure, and a Madrid control centre then made an "inexplicable" decision to clear trains to move without speed restrictions. Iryo said its train was struck from behind by a Renfe AVE carrying 397 passengers, with several carriages falling down an embankment. [1]
Sánchez said it was "unacceptable" that Spain had suffered two serious rail disasters this year after a January high-speed crash killed 46 people, and warned the government would respond firmly if safety-system failures are confirmed. Overnight, around 1,500 people gathered outside the Transport Ministry in Madrid, and rail drivers planned a Thursday strike over railway safety, the BBC reported. [1] [2]
Sources
- Spain begins three days of mourning after train crash kills dozens
BBC World · · Full text
- Sánchez pledges tough line on possible safety failures after Toledo train crash
Euronews World · · Full text