Spain bids farewell to 69 victims of the train disaster: the king attended, the prime minister was absent
Spain held a state funeral for the 69 victims of the deadliest train disaster, attended by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was absent from the ceremony, explaining that he does not participate in religious events. Meanwhile, train drivers launched a strike demanding investment in maintenance and safety.
Spain held a state funeral this evening for the 69 victims of the deadly train disaster that occurred on October 28, nearly two weeks after the collision between two high-speed trains on the Madrid-Seville line. The ceremony took place at Toledo Cathedral, attended by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and the families of the victims. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was absent from the ceremony, explaining that he does not participate in religious events; the opposition accused him of cowardice. The disaster is the second on the same train line this year, following a fatal accident in January that killed 46 people. Amid public pressure, Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned, as did the head of the company responsible for railway infrastructure. The European Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into suspected fraud in the use of EU funds for upgrading safety systems. Meanwhile, train drivers launched a strike demanding additional investment in maintenance, and following negotiations, it was decided to expand their authority to stop a journey when a hazard is identified. The crisis has become a sensitive political issue ahead of the general elections on November 29.