URGENT: High-Speed Train Collision in Urda Claims 68 Lives
URDA, Spain, Oct. 28 — At least 68 people died following a collision between two high-speed trains on Wednesday, marking Spain's second fatal rail incident this year and the deadliest in Europe since 2013.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred after a Renfe train was mistakenly permitted to proceed despite an active red signal due to a stationary train ahead. Investigations are focusing on a computer communications failure that temporarily halted traffic, leading to the erroneous decision to restart the train.
Emergency response teams, including ambulances and helicopters, have been deployed at the scene, where twisted metal and debris cover an embankment. Witnesses described seeing injured passengers, some bloodied and bandaged, evacuated along a nearby road.
Spain's Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed that 80 individuals were injured, 15 of them critically. Rescue workers continue to sift through the wreckage, searching for more casualties.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed the nation's mourning and vowed a thorough investigation, stating, “If we need to further strengthen safety to rebuild confidence in our high-speed rail system, we will do so.” The opposition People's Party has suspended all campaign activities for the day in light of the tragedy.
As rescue efforts progress, authorities are committed to uncovering the full details surrounding the incident while ensuring safety protocols are rigorously enforced in future operations.