Urda:The death toll from a collision between two high-speed trains in central Spain has risen to at least 68. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has pledged a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sanchez, speaking at the crash site in Urda, Toledo, emphasized that authorities would identify the cause of the accident and address any negligence if discovered. He assured that the investigation would be thorough, stating, "We will get to the bottom of this. If there has been negligence, it will be known."

Sanchez has announced three days of national mourning from October 29 to 31, highlighting the unacceptable nature of experiencing two high-speed rail accidents in a single year for a country like Spain. He referenced another accident that occurred in Adamuz, Cordoba, earlier in January, noting that preliminary findings suggest different causes for the two incidents. Sanchez stressed that independent investigators and judicial authorities are responsible for determining the exact causes.

To rebuild public confidence in Spain's railway system, Sanchez committed to taking decisive action if any safety issues are identified. Meanwhile, opposition People's Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo called for immediate government and judicial investigations to be conducted without interference. He stressed the need for a comprehensive, independent review of the country's railway network to understand what is happening with Spain's infrastructure.

The Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces organized a tribute to honor the victims with a minute of silence at 8 pm local time on Wednesday at town halls across Spain.