PUENTE: TRAGEDY CAUSED BY INCORRECT INSTRUCTION

MADRID, OCTOBER 28 /SRNA/ – Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente said that this morning’s railway accident occurred after a train was given permission to proceed despite a red signal, in violation of protocol.

The train was authorised to continue its journey even though another train formation was directly ahead of it.

Speaking to journalists in Madrid, Puente said the red signal had been activated due to a communications failure, automatically bringing rail traffic to a halt. An incorrect decision was subsequently made to allow the train to resume its journey.

Two high-speed passenger trains collided this morning in the province of Toledo.

According to the latest information, at least 64 people have been killed and more than 179 injured.