Spain's rail authorities face European fraud probe after Urda rail disaster
Summary
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into possible misuse of EU funds for safety and communications upgrades on Spain’s Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line. The inquiry follows an October crash near Urda that killed 69 people and comes after another fatal crash on the same line in January.Key Facts
- The October 28 crash near Urda involved a Renfe train striking a stationary Iryo train and killed 69 people.
- Investigators are examining possible fraud involving EU funds allocated to renovate and upgrade rail safety, signalling and communications systems.
- The inquiry includes investigative measures at the offices of rail infrastructure authority Adif and rail safety agency AESF.
- The European Public Prosecutor’s Office said it would not release further details because of the high public interest in the case.
- A Spanish judge must ensure the investigation follows legal safeguards and authorize measures such as searches or phone-tapping.
- The January crash at Adamuz killed 46 people; the two accidents on the same line have killed 115 people in total.
- Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned this week, and opposition parties have called for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign.
- A funeral for the Urda crash victims is scheduled for Tuesday at Toledo Cathedral.
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