Leaked Audio Shows Spain Controller Cleared Train Before 69-Death Crash
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 29
Leaked Audio Shows Spain Controller Cleared Train Before 69-Death Crash
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 29
Summary
Three leaked recordings published by Spanish media indicate Madrid control cleared a Renfe high-speed train to continue at normal speed before it hit a stationary Iryo train, in a collision that killed 69 people.
The tapes suggest the controller knew the Iryo train was still stopped about 25km ahead after an automatic signalling failure had halted traffic, yet the Renfe driver was told to proceed under backup signalling without speed restrictions.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the order to restart both trains "inexplicable," while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI pledged a full investigation as Spain entered three days of national mourning.
The crash involved 397 passengers on the Renfe train and 147 on the Iryo service, making it Spain's worst rail disaster since 2013 as crews and more than 900 Civil Guard personnel continued recovery and victim identification.