Investigators have taken a new step following Spain’s deadly high-speed train collision: the Guardia Civil has questioned the Adif control-centre operator who was managing traffic on the Madrid–Seville line at the time of the crash.
Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE reported that the questioning took place as part of the investigation led by the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF). The Guardia Civil is assisting technical experts working to establish what caused the collision.
Authorisation for the train to move remains a key question
The crash happened on Wednesday near Urda in Toledo province, when a Renfe AVE train struck an Iryo high-speed service that was stopped on the track. Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the control centre’s decision to allow the Renfe train to resume its journey “inexplicable”, given that a red warning indicated the line ahead was still occupied.
Investigators are examining how the authorisation was issued and what information was available to the control centre at the time. The questioning does not in itself mean that the operator has been charged with an offence or found responsible for the crash. The precise cause remains under investigation.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has promised a full inquiry and said any negligence or safety-system failures would be addressed. At least 68 people have died in the collision, and injured passengers continue to receive treatment.
