The death toll from Sunday’s catastrophic train crash near Urda in Toledo province has risen to 68, Spanish authorities confirmed on Wednesday, as a formal rail safety investigation opened into what caused two high-speed trains to collide. The crash, one of Spain’s deadliest rail disasters in decades, involved an Alvia service and a second train on the Madrid–Andalusia line. Investigators are examining signalling, track condition and operating procedures, according to Spanish media, while rescue teams completed the recovery operation at the scene. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area and pledged full support for victims’ families, while rail operator RENFE and infrastructure manager Adif said they would cooperate fully with the inquiry. The toll rise follows the identification of further victims in hospital, where several passengers remain in critical condition. Memorial services were held in Urda and Madrid, and a national day of mourning was observed earlier in the week. Spain’s rail safety record, generally strong by European standards, is now under scrutiny, with unions calling for a review of staffing and maintenance on high-speed lines. The investigation is expected to take months, with a preliminary report due within weeks.
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