Fears Australians caught up in Spanish train disaster that killed 69 people and injured almost 200

Two Australians may have been affected by a high-speed train collision in Spain that killed 69 people and injured almost 200. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was assisting the families of two Australians in connection with the crash, while the government offered condolences to those affected.

The collision happened on Wednesday near Urda, about 130 kilometres south of Madrid, when a Renfe train struck the back of a stationary Iryo train; more than 500 people were aboard. Investigators are examining the failure of the automatic train protection system and possible errors at the Madrid rail control centre. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said authorities were working to establish what happened and strengthen safety measures.