Spanish investigators have finally uncovered two more bodies in the wreckage of a high-speed train involved in a devastating collision last weekend, bringing the total death toll to 45. The gruesome discovery was made after a thorough search of two carriages that were severely deteriorated, according to the head of the Civil Guard's investigative unit, Fernando Dominguez.
The tragic accident, which occurred on a recently renovated stretch of track in Andalusia, has raised serious doubts about the safety of train travel in Spain. The country is known for its well-developed high-speed network, but this incident has cast a cloud over that reputation.
All 45 victims are Spanish nationals, with three foreign nationals from Morocco, Russia, and Germany also among the dead. Spain's transport minister has described the disaster as "extremely strange," with investigators still trying to determine what led to the collision between two high-speed trains operated by state company Renfe and private firm Iryo.
The accident occurred when a train operated by Renfe smashed into another service operated by Iryo that had derailed and crossed onto its track. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for answers about how such a tragedy could have occurred.
As part of the investigation, Spain has observed three days of national mourning, which was announced after Sunday's collision. The country is also bracing itself for further accidents, with many fearing that the recent heavy rainfall may have weakened tracks and bridges in several regions.
In related news, a train driver died and 37 people were injured when another commuter service hit a retaining wall that fell onto the tracks near Barcelona. However, this incident does not appear to be directly linked to the Andalusia accident, with transport officials saying they are separate events.
As the search for answers continues, Spain is also facing growing unrest among train drivers, who have called a national strike over concerns about safety and infrastructure. The Semaf train driver union has denounced repeated safety failings and is calling for guarantees that the rail system will meet safety conditions.
The tragic accident, which occurred on a recently renovated stretch of track in Andalusia, has raised serious doubts about the safety of train travel in Spain. The country is known for its well-developed high-speed network, but this incident has cast a cloud over that reputation.
All 45 victims are Spanish nationals, with three foreign nationals from Morocco, Russia, and Germany also among the dead. Spain's transport minister has described the disaster as "extremely strange," with investigators still trying to determine what led to the collision between two high-speed trains operated by state company Renfe and private firm Iryo.
The accident occurred when a train operated by Renfe smashed into another service operated by Iryo that had derailed and crossed onto its track. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for answers about how such a tragedy could have occurred.
As part of the investigation, Spain has observed three days of national mourning, which was announced after Sunday's collision. The country is also bracing itself for further accidents, with many fearing that the recent heavy rainfall may have weakened tracks and bridges in several regions.
In related news, a train driver died and 37 people were injured when another commuter service hit a retaining wall that fell onto the tracks near Barcelona. However, this incident does not appear to be directly linked to the Andalusia accident, with transport officials saying they are separate events.
As the search for answers continues, Spain is also facing growing unrest among train drivers, who have called a national strike over concerns about safety and infrastructure. The Semaf train driver union has denounced repeated safety failings and is calling for guarantees that the rail system will meet safety conditions.