Newly published audio recordings have provided insight into the final communications between train drivers and a Madrid control centre prior to a major rail collision in Spain. The disaster resulted in at least 69 deaths and left dozens of passengers injured after a high-speed train crashed into a stopped train on Wednesday morning.
According to the leaked audio published by Spanish media outlets including El Pais and RTVE, a train operated by state-owned company Renfe was given clearance to proceed at normal speed despite another train being stopped about 25 kilometres ahead. The stationary train, operated by private company Iryo, had halted due to issues preventing its driver from controlling the security system following an earlier computer failure in the automatic signalling network.
Control Room Instructions and Political Reactions
The audio reveals that after the Iryo driver reported being unable to resume movement, the control centre instructed the Renfe train driver to continue using a back-up system known as Lateral Signalling Block. When the Renfe driver sought confirmation regarding the speed, the controller directed the train to operate at normal speed. Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the decision to allow movement without speed restrictions as inexplicable.
The release of the recordings prompted criticism from several politicians, while Spain observed three days of national mourning. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that authorities are working to determine the full circumstances of the crash and enhance safety protocols. Most political parties suspended public engagements ahead of an upcoming national vote, though the far-right Vox party declined to halt its activities, criticising infrastructure management.
Protests, Recovery Operations and Ongoing Investigations
The tragedy sparked public outcry, with roughly 1,500 demonstrators gathering near the Transport Ministry in Madrid. Demonstrations turned tense as police used tear gas when protesters threw objects. Meanwhile, railway drivers conducted a planned strike organised by the Semaf union to demand improvements to railway safety standards.
Emergency personnel, including over 900 Civil Guard members, continue intensive search and recovery efforts at the crash site using heavy equipment, drones, and helicopters. Authorities have set up specialised centres across multiple cities to collect DNA samples from relatives to aid in identifying victims, as official investigations into the cause of the disaster remain ongoing.
Source: BBC News
