Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez has promised that a “thorough and absolutely transparent” investigation will take place in the aftermath of a deadly high-speed train crash.
This came as Sanchez gave a presser alongside Transportation Minister Oscar Puente, as well as other local officials. “I can guarantee the victims that we will be protecting them and assisting them for as long as necessary,” he said.
Also, Sanchez declared 3 days of mourning which begins at midnight local time, saying that today “is a day of sorrow for all of Spain.”
“We are wondering what has happened. Time and the work of the experts will provide the answer. We will uncover the truth with absolute transparency and make it known to the public.”
Pedro Sanchez
At least 39 people have been killed and dozens wounded in the high-speed train collision in southern Spain and rescue efforts are continuing.
The crash occurred on Sunday when the rear of a train carrying about 300 passengers from Malaga to the capital, Madrid, came off the rails about 7:45pm (18:45 GMT) .
It then slammed into an oncoming train travelling from Madrid to Huelva, another city in southern Spain, according to rail operator Adif.
The collision took place near Adamuz, a town in the province of Cordoba, about 370km (230 miles) south of Madrid.Spanish police said 152 people were injured, five of whom were in a critical condition. A further 24 were in a serious condition, authorities said. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said that the death toll was not final.
Puente said early today that the cause of the crash was unknown. According to Puente, the rear section of the first train derailed and crashed into the front of the other train, knocking its first two carriages off the track and down a 4-metre (13ft) slope. He later urged people to refrain from speculating.
Alvaro Fernandez Heredia, the President of the state-owned rail operator Renfe, which ran one of the trains involved in the crash, stated that “human error is practically ruled out” as a cause of the collision.
Speaking to local radio station, Heredia said that the crash happened in “strange conditions” but added it was too early to talk about the cause. He also said a commission tasked with investigating the collision has headed to the site to collect evidence.
According to the European Union, Spain has the largest rail network in Europe for trains travelling at more than 250 kilometres per hour (155 miles per hour), with more than 3,100km (1,900 miles) of track.
Condolences Sent Amid Train Crash Aftermath
A number of leaders sent messages of condolences to Spain over the train crash.
Spain’s royal palace said that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are following the news of the deadly train crash “with great concern.”
The Monarchs offered “our most heartfelt condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the dead, as well as our love and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured”, the palace said in a statement.
The Head of the Roman Catholic Church said that he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the deadly train crash in Spain.
In a statement, Pope Francis offered his prayers for the victims and “heartfelt” condolences to their families, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Spanish football clubs mournef the victims of the collision. Real Madrid said in an official statement that its players and staff observed a minute of silence before starting training.
FC Barcelona, meanwhile, extended its “deepest condolences” to the families and friends of the victims, and Atletico Madrid “wished a speedy recovery to all the injured.”
Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, were among the other Spanish clubs which also expressed their condolences.
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