Summary
A train collision in southern Spain has killed at least 41 people and injured many others. Spain has a long history of developing a high-speed rail network that began 34 years ago and is now among the most extensive globally. This incident marks a rare deadly accident for the country’s high-speed rail system.
Key Facts
- The train collision occurred in southern Spain and killed at least 41 people.
- Spain started its high-speed rail network 34 years ago with the first train running in 1992.
- Spain's high-speed rail network extends over 3,900 kilometers, making it the second largest after China.
- High-speed trains have reduced travel time between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona from seven hours to about 2½ hours.
- The country plans to further upgrade its high-speed rail to allow speeds of up to 350 kph.
- There has been one deadly crash on Spain's high-speed rail tracks until this recent incident.
- The high-speed rail system is part of Spain's efforts to reduce reliance on air travel and cut emissions.
