By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Monde
Several French nationals remain missing after the deadly rail collision in Castile-La Mancha, Spain. Searches and the investigation are continuing as French authorities try to establish what happened to them, according to Le Monde.
Three bodies were located in the wreck of the Prospector 5 drilling platform, which sank off Mayumba in southern Gabon, while two workers remain missing, according to Infos Gabon and Africanews. Authorities are preparing to recover and identify the remains; Africanews adds that a structural failure may have caused the sinking and that a technical investigation has been ordered.
🇬🇦 Gabon · Source: Infos Gabon ·
Egypt offered its condolences to Spain after the train accident near Urda, which reportedly left several people dead and injured. Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed the solidarity of the Egyptian government and people with the Spanish authorities and people, according to a statement published on Wednesday.
🇪🇸 Spain · Source: Egypt Independent ·
After two high-speed trains collided near Urda, in Castile-La Mancha, killing at least 64 people, Spanish footballer Marcos Llorente criticised Transport Minister Oscar Puente for prioritising social media. His message called on him to focus on transport safety and ministerial responsibility, Seneweb reports.
🇪🇸 Spain · Source: Seneweb ·
A collision between two trains near Urda, on the Madrid-Andalusia line, killed at least 68 people, according to Le Monde, Vanguard and Real Equatorial Guinea; Daily Post puts the toll at 64. Vanguard reports more than 100 injured, compared with 77 hospitalised, including 15 in a very serious condition, according to Real Equatorial Guinea. The Spanish government declared three days of national mourning; the trains were carrying 397 Renfe passengers and 147 Iryo passengers, according to the Castile-La Mancha regional government spokesperson. Daily Post reports that Israel offered its condolences and that rescue teams continued their searches.
🇪🇸 Spain · Source: Le Monde ·
Lula wins second round after losing first in BrazilLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential run-off after finishing behind Flávio Bolsonaro in the first round, securing 64 million votes and a fourth term. His campaign targeted abstainers and strengthened its economic message, according to Foreign Policy In Focus.
Senegalese doctors begin 72-hour strikeSenegal’s Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dental Surgeons is holding a 72-hour national strike from 28 to 30 October 2026, notably seeking special status, recruitment and increased allowances. The union says talks with health authorities have produced no concrete progress, according to Senego.The week in Africa
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