Two Australians Unaccounted For Following Deadly High-Speed Train Disaster in Central Spain

Australian authorities are working to confirm the wellbeing of two Australians who are currently unaccounted for following a deadly high-speed train collision in central Spain on Wednesday, which has resulted in at least 69 deaths.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that consular assistance is being provided to the families connected to the collision. A DFAT spokesperson expressed condolences to those killed, injured, and affected by the disaster.

Incident Details and Investigation

The crash involved a train operated by state-run Renfe and another operated by private Spanish company Iryo. A preliminary report by the Independent Authority for the Technical Investigation of Accidents and Incidents (AITAT), cited by Reuters, indicated that a computer malfunction caused a security system failure on a stretch of track, stopping multiple trains. Minutes later, central command instructed the Renfe train to resume movement without speed restrictions, leading to the collision with the stationary Iryo train.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that the train should not have been instructed to move while a stop signal remained active, or should have proceeded at reduced speed. AITAT noted that the exact speed of the Renfe train, estimated between 160 and 200 km/h, will be confirmed upon extracting data from the black box.

Casualties and Response

• A regional governor reported that over 500 passengers were on board the two trains.
• Spain's Civil Guard received reports of 64 missing people.
• Castilla-La Mancha regional government spokesperson Esther Padilla stated on TVE that 49 autopsies have been completed, with five individuals identified (three women and two men).
• Spain has declared three days of mourning.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and enhance safety measures. Verification of the official updates and announcements can be followed through statements issued by DFAT and Spanish authorities.