'Train could have been travelling 300km/h': Spain tragedy likely human error - Thu 29 Oct

At least 68 people are confirmed dead following a high-speed train crash just south of Madrid, marking one of the deadliest rail incidents in Spain this year. The crash occurred when a train operated by the low-cost private company Irio was struck from behind by a Renfe train, which was mistakenly given clearance to proceed despite a displayed red signal. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called the incident "unacceptable" and announced three days of national mourning.

Freelance journalist Rory Juwani reports that the crash happened after a delay on the line, which caused several trains to stop. When the Irio train failed to restart, the control center erroneously allowed the Renfe train to continue, leading to the collision. This incident follows another tragedy earlier in the year, where 46 people lost their lives in a separate train crash, raising serious concerns about rail safety in Spain.

Public sentiment is tense, especially with a general election approaching in late November. The recent accidents have put additional pressure on Sanchez, who has faced criticism over various issues, including housing protests and immigration challenges. Opposition parties are likely to leverage these tragedies against him in the political arena, intensifying the scrutiny on his government as the election nears.

Madrid journalist Rory Jiwani says the Spanish train crash that has killed at least 68 people will probably have serious political ramfications as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.