Spanish PM, facing reelection, says it’s ‘unacceptable’ to suffer two high-speed rail accidents in one year as at least 68 die in collision
Pedro Sánchez called for increased safety measures to restore confidence in a high-speed rail system that was once a source of national pride.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his grief over the second high-speed rail accident in one year, which left at least 68 people dead and dozens injured. This tragic incident occurred in central Spain, near the towns of Urda and Los Yébenes, following a collision between two high-speed trains operated by RENFE and IRYO.
The Spanish government declared three days of mourning, and the regional government of Castilla La Mancha confirmed the death toll and injuries. Prime Minister Sánchez called for increased safety measures to restore confidence in the high-speed rail system, emphasizing that such accidents are "unacceptable" for a country like Spain.
The crash occurred due to an "inexplicable" order from a central command center, as Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that the train engineers were not to blame. The Spanish monarchs also expressed condolences for the victims and their families, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mourning alongside Spain.
Written by urgent.news from Fortune's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
