At least 21 people have died in the aftermath of a high speed passenger train derailment in Spain prompting large scale emergency services and criticism of rail safety in what is one of Europe’s busiest rail networks.
According to Spanish authorities the train was moving at a high speed as it derailed along a main line. Some of the train coaches derailed and overturned.
Pictures emerging from the site of the incident show twisted metal as debris is spread along a rail line.
According to emergency services dozens of passengers have been hurt and it is feared that more may die.
“The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed,” said a spokesperson for the infrastructure company operating the railways, ADIF and Renfe Spain’s national railways operator.
All of these factors are being assessed as part of an investigation that is now being conducted by officials working with the judiciary.
The prime minister of Spain offered condolences to the relatives of the people who lost their lives or were injured.
The transport minister added that safety checks had been carried out with the results expected soon after which transparency would be provided.
A mainstay of transport infrastructure in Spain carrying many millions of passengers annually is high speed rail which serves large cities and provincial towns being promoted as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to air travel and roads.
Compared to other forms of transport incidents of this type are very uncommon which makes this derailment all the more alarming.
High speed rail lines in other countries are also being pursued with vigor in many territories worldwide.
The accident could reignite concerns regarding the regulation of railway safety and the upkeep of railway infrastructure in Spain and the wider European region.
Transport expert responses indicate that the current tilt towards high speed train networks involves various levels of safety features.
The moment these levels fail, the causes are more likely to be the cumulative result of a variety of reasons rather than just a point of failure.
For the passengers as well as the communities along the line where the incident has occurred the initial effects have been drastic.
Train services had been suspended along the line due to the incident. This has left many passengers along the line traveling along alternative buses.
The residents along the line have been asked to steer clear of the area to create room for the rescue team to work.
International leaders also sent messages of condolence reflecting the cross border nature of Europe’s rail networks and the number of foreign nationals believed to be among the passengers.
Consular officials were working with Spanish authorities to identify victims and assist families.
Preliminary findings from investigators are expected to be released in the coming days.
Until then officials said their work continued to center on victim and family support service restorations where possible and broad rail network safety.
