Deadly Spanish train collision prompts safety questions before election

A collision near Urda killed dozens and renewed scrutiny of Spain’s rail safety. Transport Minister Óscar Puente said a computer failure stopped trains and that a control-centre instruction allowed a Renfe train to resume without speed restrictions before it hit a stationary Iryo train. The crash also intensified political pressure ahead of the November 29 election.

• A Renfe train struck a stationary Iryo train near Urda, in central Spain. Reports gave death tolls of 68 or 69; the accounts describe the toll as at least 68.· 3 sources
• Puente said a computer malfunction disabled a safety system and trains stopped; he said a control centre then told the Renfe train to move without speed restrictions despite a stop signal. He said the train’s engineers were not to blame.· 2 sources
• Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged an investigation and rail-safety improvements. Spain began three days of national mourning, while rescue and victim-identification efforts continued.· 3 sources
• The crash came weeks before the November 29 general election. Opposition figures called for investigation or accountability, and reports described protests and calls for officials to resign.· 3 sources