Madrid mourns train crash victims as rescuers work through the night
Two high-speed trains collided near Urda, close to Toledo in central Spain, on 28 October, leaving at least 68 dead. A minute of silence in Madrid turned partly into a protest against the government.
Two high-speed trains collided on 28 October near Urda, close to Toledo in central Spain. At least 68 people died and more than 100 were injured, with 15 of the injured still in critical condition. According to the source, it is Spain's second deadly rail collision this year and one of the deadliest railway accidents in Europe this century.
Rescue operation
Rescue crews kept working at the site near Urda through the night. Among the twisted carriages they used heavy cranes to lift sections of wreckage off the tracks. Footage shows a crane raising what appears to be part of a train's wheel assembly, while emergency workers search damaged carriages under artificial lighting. The crash happened when one train hit another that had come to a stop.
Tribute in Madrid
In Madrid, dozens of people gathered outside City Hall in Cibeles Square for a minute of silence for the victims. The event was organised by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. Those attending included opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and central government delegate Pilar Trinidad.
The gathering also turned into a protest against the government. Some participants held placards reading "Corruption kills" and chanted for Transport Minister Óscar Puente to resign.
