At least 68 people were killed and more than 80 others injured when a high-speed Spanish train collided head-on with another train that was standing still on Wednesday morning, according to local authorities. It was Spain’s worst rail accident in more than a decade and Europe’s deadliest since 2013.
Regional government head Juan Carlos said 147 people were aboard the Iryo train and 397 aboard the Renfe train when the collision occurred on the railway line between Madrid and Barcelona. The Renfe train continued moving forward at high speed without a warning sign indicating the presence of red lights, and collided with the stationary Iryo train.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain was now in a state of profound shock and deep sorrow following the tragedy.
Spain also spent a median of €1.5 billion annually on its high-speed rail network in 2018 and 2022, more than any other European country. However, most of that spending was directed toward building new infrastructure, with only 16% allocated to maintenance, repair and modernizing the rail system, according to European Union figures.
Spain Rail Crash Kills at Least 68 and Injures More Than 80
Summary
At least 68 people were killed and more than 80 others injured when a high-speed Spanish train collided head-on with another train that was standing still on Wednesday morning, according to local authorities. It was Spain’s worst rail accident in more than a decade and Europe’s deadliest since 2013.
