The death toll from Wednesday's train derailment in northwestern Spain has risen to at least 74, according to the country's transport ministry. The update came as Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited a hospital in Toledo on Thursday afternoon to meet survivors and relatives of the victims.
The royal couple were welcomed by emergency workers, whom they thanked for their efforts, before speaking with injured passengers and victims' families. The hospital is currently treating 15 patients in intensive care and another eight on general wards.
Visibly moved, Felipe VI and Letizia cancelled their official engagements to travel to Toledo and hear firsthand about the condition of those receiving treatment. Following the crash, the king expressed his sorrow over the "terrible accident", offered his condolences to the victims' families and friends during "such a difficult time", and praised the work of emergency services.
As a mark of respect, the Royal Household has suspended its official engagements for the coming days. The decision coincides with the start of three days of national mourning on Thursday and affects events scheduled in both Madrid and the Canary Islands.
Investigation and political fallout
The crash occurred on a high-speed line connecting Madrid with the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, a route that has seen a previous fatal accident in recent years. Investigators are focusing on the moments leading up to the collision, with reports suggesting a series of decisions may have contributed to the tragedy.
The disaster has also intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who faces an election later this year. The political fallout is already being felt, with opposition parties demanding answers about rail safety protocols. Sánchez has vowed a tough response if safety failures are found to have caused the crash, as he stated in a televised address.
Rescue teams worked through the night to clear the wreckage, with cranes lifting the mangled carriages. The scale of the destruction was visible in aerial footage, which showed the train's carriages scattered along the tracks. The crash has reignited debates about the adequacy of safety measures on Spain's high-speed network, which is one of the most extensive in Europe.
As Spain mourns, the focus remains on the victims and their families. The king's visit to the hospital was a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster. The royal couple spent several hours speaking with survivors and relatives, offering words of comfort and support.
The coming days will see a national outpouring of grief, with flags flying at half-mast across the country. The investigation into the crash is expected to take weeks, with experts examining everything from track conditions to driver error. For now, the nation stands in solidarity with those affected by this tragedy.
