At least 68 people dead in Spain’s second major train crash this year
Summary
At least 68 people were killed when a Spanish high-speed train collided with a stationary train, prompting a major rescue effort and an investigation into how the collision was allowed to happen. The disaster is Spain’s second fatal rail crash this year and Europe’s deadliest train accident since 2013.
Key Points
- At least 68 people died and 80 were injured after a Spanish high-speed express crashed into a stationary train in rural Castilla-La Mancha near Madrid.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the incident a terrible tragedy and said the causes would be investigated, while Transport Minister Oscar Puente said an erroneous decision allowed the Renfe train to proceed despite a red signal.
- Renfe said its train had been authorized to continue before the collision, while Iryo and infrastructure operator Adif have not publicly commented in detail.
- The crash renewed scrutiny of Spain’s rail safety and maintenance spending after another fatal high-speed train accident in January killed 46 people.
