A high-speed train collision near Urda, Spain, killed 69 people, while 50 injured passengers remained in hospital, including 15 in intensive care, as the country began three days of national mourning.
On Wednesday, October 28, a Renfe train hit the back of a stationary Iryo train in Toledo province. The two trains were carrying hundreds of passengers. Spain’s Interior Ministry first said the death toll had risen to 74.
The Transport Ministry and regional authorities later changed the count to 69. Officials said rescue crews were still searching damaged train cars. Forensic teams were working to identify the victims.
Families were seeking news of missing relatives. The mourning period began Thursday, with public observances held around the country. Investigators are examining what happened before the crash.
They are looking at whether a signal or control system failed. They are also examining the decision to allow a train to start moving again. Transport Minister Óscar Puente called that decision impossible to explain.
The investigation has not yet established a final cause. The disaster has brought back questions about rail safety in Spain. Spain suffered another deadly high-speed train collision earlier this year.