Violent demonstrations erupted in Madrid following a deadly train collision that claimed 68 lives and injured over 100 people. Protesters gathered outside the Ministry of Transport, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Transport Minister Oscar Puente.
The incident occurred when a Renfe train traveling from Madrid to Seville collided with a stationary Iryo train near Toledo. Survivors described the scene as "apocalyptic," with one remarking the damage was "as if a bomb had been planted."
Audio recordings have emerged from the control center, indicating that operators failed to warn the driver of the approaching Renfe train about the stationary Iryo train. The Iryo train driver had reported a safety system failure and her stopped position to the control center at 8:41 AM. The controller authorized her to proceed, while simultaneously instructing the approaching Renfe train to move forward five minutes earlier, without relaying the warning.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that an automatic control system had failed on a significant stretch of track, causing all trains to stop. However, he described the control center's decision to resume traffic as "inexplicable," noting that the Renfe train had traveled 25 kilometers before the collision. He added that the control center "had more than enough time to verify the error, and they did not fix it."
This incident marks Spain's third fatal railway disaster this year. Previous incidents in January resulted in 47 deaths.
The demonstration, which began peacefully near Nuevos Ministerios, escalated into clashes with police. Protesters were seen overturning bins and setting a fire. Police used pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Chants of "Pedro Sanchez is to blame" and "Oscar Puente is a murderer" were heard.
Hard-right groups, including Revuelta, endorsed by the VOX party, have reportedly encouraged further demonstrations across Spain.
Flags flew at half-mast on public buildings on Thursday, observed as a day of mourning. Official ceremonies and public events were scaled back in respect for the victims.
Emergency services worked through the night to recover victims from the wreckage. A school in Urda was established as a support center for relatives seeking information about loved ones. Red Cross psychologists provided support to those affected, acknowledging the difficult grieving process ahead.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one detailing being "thrown against the seats" and describing the twisted metal as resembling a "bomb." Another survivor reported seeing a boy with an amputated arm. Fatima Banez, Spain's former employment minister, was among those who died in the crash.