The disaster has prompted most major political parties in Spain to suspend their general election campaigns as the nation mourns the victims
By Njoku Vincent
At least 68 people have been killed following a collision between two high-speed trains south of Madrid, Spain, in what has become the country’s deadliest rail disaster since 2013.
The crash involved trains operated by Iryo and Renfe, with more than 500 passengers travelling aboard the two trains.
Spain’s Transport Minister said an “inexplicable” decision by the control centre led to the collision after a computer failure initially forced the trains to stop.
Rail operator Iryo said its train was struck from behind by a Renfe train.
Witnesses described scenes of devastation and confusion at the crash site, while Spanish journalist Roberto Gómez, who was travelling on one of the trains, described the incident as extremely chaotic and distressing.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the scene and said the country was grieving over the tragedy.
The disaster has prompted most major political parties in Spain to suspend their general election campaigns as the nation mourns the victims.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the reported computer failure and the decisions made by rail traffic controllers.