Spain's king and queen attend memorial service for rail crash victims

Spain marked its darkest moment yet with 69 candles placed at Toledo Cathedral, in solemn tribute to victims of Europe's most deadly train crash of the century. The royal couple attended a somber funeral Mass in the 13th-century cathedral, nearly two weeks after the catastrophic collision near Urda. Each of the 69 candles represented a life lost when a Renfe high-speed train slammed into a stationary Iryo service.

Residents of Urda illuminated 69 candles, one for every victim, while a 16th-century sculpture of Christ was brought to the cathedral for the service. The tragedy claimed 69 lives and prompted the resignations of the transport minister and the head of the railway operator. European prosecutors launched a fraud investigation into EU safety funds following the disaster.

The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, refused to attend the funeral Mass, citing his religious beliefs, which drew criticism from opponents accusing him of avoiding a restless electorate ahead of an election scheduled for November 29. Rail services were further hampered by a subsequent train drivers' strike, adding to the nation's grief and political turmoil.