Spain Train Crash Toll Rises to 68 Killed and Over 100 Injured; Minister Blames Incorrect Instructions
At least 68 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after two high-speed trains collided south of Spain's capital, Madrid, on Wednesday. Authorities said the toll is likely to rise.
The collision is Spain's deadliest rail disaster in over a decade. After the crash, demands for answers rose in the country — many are asking how such a collision could happen.
The crash comes less than a year after another deadly collision in the country. Back-to-back disasters have raised further concerns over rail safety in Spain, according to the reports.
Spain's transportation minister said incorrect instructions led to the train crash. According to the minister, a decision by traffic control operators sent one train on its way toward another train that was stopped miles in front of it.
The transportation minister described the traffic control operators' decision as 'inexplicable.' In other words, he could offer no explanation for the decision that sent one train toward the stopped train.
More than 100 people were reported injured, though the collected material gave no further detail on their condition. Based on the authorities' warning, the death toll could rise above the current 68 once rescue and accounting work is complete.
