Spain's government declared three days of national mourning after a high-speed train crash killed 68 people, marking the second major rail disaster in the country this year. The incident in Castilla-La Mancha raised concerns about rail safety following a similar crash in Andalusia last month.
The crash occurred when a Renfe train collided with a stationary Iryo train, with the Renfe train traveling 25 kilometers before impact. Transport Minister Oscar Puente blamed the crash on an 'inexplicable' decision to resume traffic after an automatic control system failure.
Authorities are collecting DNA samples to identify victims as emergency crews continue search efforts. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged a full investigation into the incident, highlighting the need for improved rail safety measures following the two disasters in a single year.
The tragedy comes one month before Spain's general election, with the left-wing government facing scrutiny over its handling of the rail network and the ongoing investigation into the January crash.