According to initial reports, the AVE train struck the Iryo train. Following the impact, part of the Renfe train left the tracks, while several carriages of the other train derailed.
Authorities activated their civil protection plan for such incidents at "Level 2," which allowed for the deployment of the Military Emergency Unit (UME).
Additionally, emergency teams established an advanced command post near the scene to coordinate assistance efforts.
In Urda—the town closest to the accident site—a shelter was set up on the main street. There, the Red Cross provided care to the injured and offered support to individuals in need of non-medical assistance. Pedro Sánchez declares three days of official mourning
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to Urda to express his condolences to the victims' families and to announce three days of official mourning.
During a press briefing, the Prime Minister conveyed the nation's solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
Sánchez also acknowledged the anguish of families who did not yet know the whereabouts of their loved ones and expressed his support for those who remained hospitalized.
The head of government pledged that the authorities would investigate the incident and take firm action should any negligence or failures in safety systems be uncovered.
"We will get to the bottom of this. If there has been any negligence, it will come to light," the Prime Minister stated.
He further emphasized the need to strengthen safety measures in order to restore public confidence in the Spanish railway network.
Spain to investigate the causes of the tragedy
Sánchez maintained that it is not his role to personally determine the cause of the accident; rather, that task falls to the railway operators and the Independent Railway Accident Investigation Commission, which is charged with clarifying the circumstances of the incident.
The Prime Minister also noted that Spain has experienced two high-speed rail accidents within the same year—a situation which, in his view......calls for reviewing and strengthening protection measures.
As investigations proceed, authorities must determine how the collision occurred, why the AVE train was cleared to move while the Iryo train remained stationary, and whether any human or technical errors contributed to the disaster.
The tragedy has kept emergency services on high alert and has plunged the nation into mourning for the victims.
*****
What caused the train accident in Spain? Here is what the authorities say
Spain’s Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, explained that initial investigations point to a possible human error regarding the authorization given for one of the trains to resume movement, after the LZB railway safety system experienced communication issues earlier that morning.
According to his account, the Adif control center allowed an AVE train to continue its journey even though an Iryo train remained stopped further ahead. The official described this decision as inexplicable, though the definitive cause of the accident has yet to be established through ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the Civil Guard has begun proceedings to clarify what occurred, while the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) and judicial authorities have launched their own separate investigations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that, should any negligence be confirmed, those responsible will be held accountable.
Add comment
Comments