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Spain train crash kills 69 as investigators focus on controllers

A high-speed train heading from Madrid to Seville struck another train from behind near Toledo on Wednesday morning, killing at least 69 people and injuring dozens more.^{⁠[2, 3, 21]} Earlier reports put the death toll at 68; later reports said it had risen to 69.^{⁠[1, 19]}

Both trains had been halted earlier when the signaling system failed, and leaked audio recordings appear to show the trailing train was given clearance to proceed even though another train had stalled on the track.^{⁠[3, 25]} The Spanish transport minister blamed the crash on what he called an 'inexplicable' error, and investigators are focusing on the role of train traffic controllers.^{⁠[6, 16, 17]}

Why it matters The crash comes a month before Spain's national election, where rail safety and deteriorating public infrastructure have become campaign issues.^{⁠[10, 20, 27]}

Covered by The New York Times, NBC News, The Wall Street Journal and 16 more

Read first Spanish Transport Minister Blames Train Crash That Killed 68 on ‘Inexplicable’ Error · TIME