Spain train disaster: Death toll reaches 68 after collision

At least 68 people have been killed and dozens injured after two high-speed trains collided near Urda, south of Madrid, in one of Spain’s deadliest rail disasters in recent decades. More than 500 passengers were travelling on the two trains when the collision occurred.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente said a computer failure had initially forced several trains to stop. However, the control centre subsequently authorised one train to resume its journey without speed restrictions, despite another train remaining stationary ahead. Puente described the decision as “inexplicable”, while investigators have been examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Survivors described scenes of panic, with passengers thrown from their seats and others breaking windows to escape damaged carriages. More than 500 emergency personnel have been involved in rescue and recovery operations.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the country was grieving and pledged to establish the cause of the disaster, adding that any negligence would come to light. Most major political parties suspended election campaigning, while a trade union called for the transport minister’s resignation.