Leaked audio recordings reveal critical communication failures between controllers and drivers before a deadly train crash in Spain that killed 69 people.
Leaked audio recordings show conversations between train drivers and a control center. These exchanges happened shortly before a deadly train crash in Spain. The collision killed 69 people on Wednesday morning. Officials are now investigating the disaster.
The crash occurred near Urda. A Renfe train traveling from Madrid to Seville hit a stationary Iryo train. That train sat on the tracks about 15 miles ahead. The Renfe train carried 397 passengers, while the Iryo train held 147.
Also, the audio suggests a major error. A controller told the Renfe driver to proceed at normal speed. This happened even though the Iryo train remained stalled. A computer failure had previously halted all rail traffic in that area.
Next, the stationary Iryo driver reported technical issues to the control center. The driver said the train could not move. Despite this, the controller gave instructions to resume the journey. The Renfe train then struck the stationary carriages from behind.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised a full investigation into the tragedy. He wants to understand every detail of the accident. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited injured survivors in a Toledo hospital on Thursday. The country also began three days of national mourning.
However, the leak of the audio caused controversy. Some politicians criticized the release of the recordings. Others questioned the safety of the railway sector. Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the decision to move the trains without speed limits inexplicable.
After that, protests erupted outside the transport ministry in Madrid. Around 1,500 people demanded the resignation of government officials. Police used tear gas to disperse the angry crowds. No injuries occurred during the protests.
Finally, emergency crews continue to work at the crash site. More than 900 personnel are searching for victims. Officials are using drones and helicopters to clear the area. They are also collecting DNA samples to identify the deceased passengers.