Castilla-La Mancha's regional government said the death toll from Wednesday's collision between two high-speed trains in Toledo province reached 69 Thursday, as recovery work and a safety inquiry continued.
The Associated Press reported that cranes raised damaged train cars as responders searched debris near Urda. A previous EconoTimes report on the recovery effort covered the operation when the toll stood at 68.
The regional government's Thursday, Oct. 29, update counted 50 people still hospitalized in Castilla-La Mancha, 60 discharged and 1,300 personnel mobilized from emergency services and other agencies. CNA separately reported 57 people remained hospitalized; the sources did not explain the difference. Castilla-La Mancha President Emiliano García-Page said judicial authorities were directing victim identification.
EFE and Europa Press, citing Spain's Foreign Ministry, reported that 42 foreign citizens from seven nationalities were aboard the trains. They said one had died, seven were injured and 10 were uninjured, while the status of 24 was unknown as of Thursday.
Renfe identified its Madrid Puerta de Atocha-to-Sevilla Santa Justa AVE service as one of the trains involved, alongside an Iryo train. The collision occurred between Los Yébenes and Urda. The Spanish government said railway and judicial authorities were investigating the cause. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged to see the inquiry through, saying any negligence would be disclosed and safety-system failures would draw a forceful response.
Spain declared three days of official mourning from Oct. 29 through Oct. 31, the government said.
