Details emerge in deadly Spain train crash - NHKニュース

Authorities in Spain are trying to figure out what caused a high-speed train crash that killed at least 69 people. They said the control center may have failed to take proper safety measures.

The accident happened in the central province of Toledo on Wednesday. A train traveling from Madrid ran into another going in the same direction. Authorities said that, in addition to the dead, more than 100 people were injured.

Japan's Foreign Ministry said the passenger list includes two Japanese nationals and that embassy staff are working to determine their status. A signaling problem before the crash caused both trains to stop. The one behind was allowed to move on even though the one ahead remained stalled. Officials said the control center did not restrict the speed of the train that was told to restart.

Multiple media outlets have released what they said are audio recordings made moments before the crash. They include exchanges between the train drivers and the control center.

They suggest both drivers reported problems with the automatic signaling system. The train ahead remained stopped after its driver reported a malfunction, but the following one was told to switch to manual operation and resume service.

Trains are usually limited to 40 kilometers per hour in such situations so drivers can react to dangers ahead. However, the controller instructed the following train to continue at "normal speed." The driver asked for confirmation, and the controller gave it.

Local media said that, at the time of the crash, the train may have been traveling at around 200 kilometers per hour.

People across Spain will observe three days of mourning starting on Thursday.