Families provide DNA after deadly train crash in Spain
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
Families of passengers are providing DNA to identify victims of the train collision near Urda, Spain, which killed 69 people and injured dozens. Authorities are continuing identification operations in Toledo, while audio recordings raise questions about instructions given before the accident, according to Leadership.
Families of passengers killed or reported missing in the train crash near Urda, in Spain’s Toledo province, are providing DNA samples to identify the victims. At least 69 people were killed and dozens injured in the collision between two trains, according to Leadership.
The accident occurred shortly before 09:00 on Wednesday, when a high-speed train operated by Spain’s public operator Renfe hit the rear of a stationary train operated by private company Iryo. More than 500 passengers were on board the two trains. The bodies were transferred to Toledo’s main forensic institute, where relatives are taking part in the identification operations, according to the Spanish Civil Guard.
Audio recordings broadcast by Spanish media have meanwhile raised questions about the instructions given by rail controllers before the collision. A computer failure had initially immobilised six trains, including the two involved in the accident. Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, said the control centre had subsequently authorised them to resume without speed restrictions.
The identification of the victims comes after the collision between two high-speed trains in Spain on 28 October. The death toll was later raised to 69 in the train crash in Spain, published on 29 October.
