Spain train crash death toll rises to 68, PM Sanchez vows probe

The death toll from a train collision in Spain has increased to 68, according to reports. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, stating that authorities would determine the cause and take action if negligence is found. Sanchez announced three days of national mourning from October 29 to 31, expressing his shock at the second high-speed rail accident in Spain within a year, following a crash in Adamuz, Cordoba in January.

The prime minister noted that preliminary indications suggest the two accidents may have different causes, but emphasized that independent investigators and judicial authorities would determine the exact causes. Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo called for immediate government and judicial investigations, demanding a comprehensive, independent review of Spain's entire railway network.

Feijoo stressed the importance of the public knowing about the country's infrastructure issues, but avoided discussing political responsibility for the disaster. A minute of silence will be held at 8pm local time on Wednesday at town halls across Spain to pay tribute to the victims.