Spanish train crash leaves 68 dead, PM Sanchez declares 3 days of mourning

The collision occurred just after 9 a.m. on Wednesday between the towns of Mora and Orgaz in Toledo province. About 540 people were on board the two trains traveling from Madrid to Seville. At least 107 people remain hospitalized across the region of Castilla-La Mancha, with 18 in critical condition.

European Union flags have been lowered to half-mast outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels as a marker of European solidarity. The Commission confirmed the gesture was made after Spain declared three days of official mourning.

This marks the second major train disaster in Spain this year and the deadliest in the European Union since 2013. In January, a derailment near Cordoba on the same line killed 46 people.

Operator error blamed

Spain's Transportation Minister Oscar Puente revealed that the crash resulted from an "inexplicable" decision by operators to have the high-speed train continue its journey after a computer error triggered a red signal. The control system at the train station in Urda had failed, causing a 63-kilometer section of track to lose control.

Between 8:36 a.m. and the moment of impact at 8:53 a.m., the Renfe train traveled approximately 25 kilometers, likely reaching speeds over 100 kilometers per hour. Puente refused to respond to questions about whether he would resign, stating his focus was on clarifying the circumstances and supporting victims.

Nation in mourning

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that "all of Spain" is in mourning following the tragedy. It is not acceptable for a country like Spain to suffer two such disasters in the same year, he said from the crash site in Castilla-La Mancha.

All major political parties, apart from the far-right Vox party, canceled their campaigning activities on Wednesday. Spain is scheduled to hold elections on November 29.

Spain's football federation (RFEF) suspended 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday as a sign of respect. Several top clubs including Barcelona and Real Madrid expressed condolences on social media.

EU expresses solidarity

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that "Europe mourns with you." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas conveyed "profound condolences" to Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, adding that the bloc was "ready to help Spain if needed."

Spain's royal family also expressed being "saddened and distressed" over the accident. The investigation into the exact causes of the crash continues as emergency services work to treat the injured.