Spain train disaster

In depth

Two high-speed trains collided in the province of Toledo in central Spain, causing two carriages to derail. According to Ynet, more than 540 passengers were on both trains, and according to Kan News the death toll rose to 68. According to Srugim, 80 people were injured, 50 of them in serious condition.

According to reports, a control room operator approved one of the trains to continue moving when another was blocking the track. According to Channel 13 News, recordings published in the Spanish media indicate that a train received permission to travel, even though another train had stalled about 25 km away. Arutz Sheva reported 64 deaths, and Israel Hayom noted that the operator was being questioned.

Ynet reported that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked. According to Kan News, clashes occurred between police and protesters demanding the resignation of the transport minister. Israel Hayom reported that an inquiry committee had warned two years earlier of a similar failure, and Ynet noted that the final death toll stands at 74.