The crash of a high-speed train in Spain occurred due to an incorrect order to the driver to continue traveling while all trains in that section of the track were supposed to stop. Spain's Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, announced at a press conference that the control system at the train station in Ourense had malfunctioned due to a computer error.
Details of the Crash
This malfunction meant there was no control system in a 63-kilometer section of the track, leading to automatic stops or a red signal for all rail traffic in the affected sections. At 8:36 AM, the Renfe train was instructed to "continue normally" on its journey, a decision that Puente called "inexcusable."
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He added that between that time and the moment of impact at 8:53, the Renfe train had traveled about 25 kilometers and had likely reached speeds over 100 kilometers per hour. Puente refrained from answering questions about the possibility of his resignation following the crash, stating that his focus was on clarifying the circumstances leading to the incident and supporting the victims.
Reactions to the Incident
Senior European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Kaya Kallas, expressed their condolences to the victims of the crash and their families. Von der Leyen expressed sympathy, stating, "Europe mourns with you." Kallas also contacted Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, to express her deep condolences for this tragic incident.
Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has traveled to Ourense to support the efforts of emergency teams and express his condolences to the victims and their families. In a statement from the Moncloa Palace, it was announced that the priority should be on addressing the victims and ensuring maximum coordination among agencies.
The Spanish royal family also issued a statement following this deadly crash, expressing their deep sorrow and concern. King Felipe VI announced that he had halted his military exercise at the Jaimaní military base due to the incident and was returning to Madrid to oversee the emergency response.
The death toll has reached at least 64, with over 80 injured, many of whom are in serious condition. Officials stated that this number has increased several times throughout the day and that there is a possibility of further increases.
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