A high-speed train collision south of Madrid killed 69 people and injured more than 100, according to Spanish authorities. The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, is one of the deadliest train crashes in Europe this century. Investigators are examining the cause of the collision, which involved an IT failure that halted several trains on the Madrid–Seville high-speed line.
Adif’s control centre authorised an AVE train to resume its journey, leading to the collision. The crash happened 17 minutes after the initial IT failure. Audio recordings obtained by media outlets reveal mistakes made in the moments before the collision. Rescuers are still searching the site for bodies, while families of the victims wait for news about missing loved ones.
Protests erupted in Madrid as the country mourned the victims. Demonstrators demanded greater rail safety measures and accountability. The incident marks the second major train accident in Spain this year, raising concerns about the country’s rail safety protocols. The transport minister has acknowledged the need for improved safety measures following the disaster.
