Spain mourns 69 dead after high-speed train collision

A Renfe train struck a stationary Iryo train near Urda in Castilla-La Mancha, killing 69 people and injuring dozens. Authorities have launched investigations into the signalling failure and the decision to allow the Renfe train to continue; rescue work and efforts to identify victims are ongoing.

• The collision occurred at 8:53 a.m. near Urda, about 130 kilometres south of Madrid, after the Renfe train hit the rear of the stationary Iryo train.· 1 source
• Authorities reported 69 deaths and dozens injured; 57 injured people remained in hospital in one update. Rescue teams searched the wreckage, while police opened four offices for relatives to provide DNA samples to help identify victims.· 3 sources
• Spain declared three days of national mourning. Train drivers went ahead with a planned strike calling for more investment and safety measures; Renfe said the strike disrupted services.· 2 sources
• Reporting on the cause remains preliminary. A computer failure reportedly disabled the LZB safety system on part of the line; the investigation is examining the control centre’s instruction for the Renfe train to resume running and why it was not stopped after the Iryo train reported it remained stationary.· 1 source
• The crash followed a January collision that killed 46 people, according to reports. Spain’s prime minister pledged an investigation and measures to improve rail safety.· 2 sources