The two high-speed trains crashed in Spain’s southern Andalusian region – Image: Susana Vera/REUTERS
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez promised to “find out the truth” as he spoke at a news conference near the site of the train crash in southern Spain. Regional officials confirmed that at least 40 people have died.
What you need to know
- Spain’s prime minister announces three days of mourning starting at midnight on Monday
- Death toll rose to 40, the president of Andalusia, the Spanish southern region where the accident happened, confirmed
- A high-speed train derailed on Sunday around 7:30 p.m. local time (1830 UTC), jumping the track and hitting an oncoming train
- A train carrying around 300 people from Malaga to Madrid crashed into a train carrying around 200 people from Madrid to Huelva
- Crash is deadliest train accident since 2013
Spain train collision death toll rises to at least 40 people
The death toll following a high-speed collision between two trains in southern Spain has risen to at least 40 people, according to the head of the regional government of Andalusia. The toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
“There are currently 40 confirmed deaths,” Juanma Moreno told a news conference on Monday, adding that it would take another 24-48 hours “to know with certainty how many deaths have resulted from this terrible accident.”
European leaders express condolences and concern over lives lost in train crash
Heads of government from across Europe have expressed their sympathy and condolences for the victims of the train crash in southern Spain that has left at least 39 people dead and others seriously injured.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the entire Spanish people,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. “France stands by your side.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “Italy stands close to Spain in its grief for this tragedy.”
The Dutch prime minister, Dick Schoof, called the news “horrific” and said: “I have expressed my support and condolences to prime minister Sanchez. My thoughts are with all the victims and their families affected by this enormous disaster.”
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “deeply shaken” by the news. “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims, I offer them my sincere condolences,” he said. “To the injured, I wish strength and a speedy recovery. Germany stands with Spain at this time.”
The Greek Foreign Ministry also expressed “deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” adding, “At this time of sorrow, Greece stands in solidarity with the people and the government of Spain.”
Sanchez held a press conference after arriving at the site of the crash -Image: Cristina Quicler/AFP
Spanish PM Sanchez: ‘We will get to the truth’
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has vowed to provide answers following the deadly train accident that killed at least 39 people.
“It is true that society is asking itself what has happened and how,” Sanchez told a press conference, adding that time and the “work of experts” would provide the answer.
“We will get to the truth, we will find out the answer and when we know it, we will release to the public with absolute transparency and clarity,” the prime minister added.
Sanchez, who praised the emergency responders and workers, vowed to assist the victims of the accident “for as long as necessary.”
He also declared a three-day mourning period in the wake of the accident.
DW.com/NAN 20-1-26
You might also like:
ARCTIC: How Greenland became a flashpoint in polar politics
Donald Trump has renewed global focus on Greenland and the Arctic. Who controls this polar region, and why are power, security and resources at stake? The Arctic Circle — and the sovereignty of its biggest island, Greenland — is back in the international weiterlesen…
