Spain probes high-speed train collision after audio reveals restart instructions
Control-room recordings show a controller ordered a high-speed train to reconnect its safety system before it collided with a stationary service, killing at least 68 people.
Audio recordings obtained by Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reveal that, at 8:36 a.m., a controller at Adif’s command centre in Madrid instructed the driver of train 2080 to "disconnect and reconnect the LZB and resume normal running under BSL." The instruction was given while the Iryo service ahead remained stopped. In a separate exchange, the driver reported that a technical fault prevented the LZB system from restarting, leaving the train unable to move.
Investigators are examining why the trailing train was authorized to proceed and why the collision was not averted. The crash occurred between Los Yebenes and Urda in Toledo, involving an Iryo train carrying 146 passengers and a Renfe AVE train with 397 passengers. At least 68 people were killed, including 40 on the Iryo train and 24 on the AVE train.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of mourning, expressing solidarity with victims' families. The incident has prompted protests outside the Ministry of Transport, with demonstrators calling for the resignation of Transport Minister Raquel Puente. The Australian Embassy issued a statement of condolences, noting no known Australian nationals were involved.
Iryo issued a statement saying the company’s priority is to assist those affected, while Renfe confirmed the AVE train from Madrid to Seville was involved and announced suspension of rail traffic on the line, offering ticket changes and cancellations. Spain’s royal family expressed concern and sympathy for the families of the deceased and for emergency responders.