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.
In short
- Two Australians’ families are receiving consular assistance.
- The collision killed 69 people and injured almost 200.
- Investigators are examining safety systems and control centre actions.
Explained simply
Spain’s high-speed rail network carries passengers between major cities, including services operated by Renfe and Iryo. Automatic train protection systems are designed to help prevent collisions by monitoring trains and alerting operators or applying brakes when needed.
Spanish investigators are examining how the collision happened, including the train protection system and decisions at the rail control centre in Madrid. Their findings may inform any safety changes, while Australia’s foreign affairs department is helping the families of two Australians connected with the crash.