Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that the Council of Ministers will approve a social protection package on Tuesday for those affected by the collision of two high-speed trains in Urda, Toledo. The accident has left at least 69 people dead and 34 injured to varying degrees.
Speaking at the World in Progress forum, organised by PRISA in Barcelona, Sánchez said the measures would focus on supporting victims and restoring confidence in high-speed rail. He said the government had to recover passengers’ trust in the service “as soon as possible and whatever the cost.”
The package will be built around four measures. These include doubling the amount covered by compulsory accident insurance, advancing compensation payments for victims, improving temporary incapacity coverage and creating comprehensive assistance offices for those affected.
“Our priority now is helping the victims,” Sánchez said. He repeated that the accident “should never have happened” and pledged that the government would remain alongside the families of those who died, supporting them through their grief and the administrative procedures that follow.
Sánchez also expressed his wishes for the 34 injured people to recover quickly. He said independent investigators and the justice system were working to establish the causes of the crash with complete transparency, promising a rigorous and exhaustive investigation.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente is due to appear before the Congress standing committee on Tuesday. The People’s Party and Vox have called for Sánchez himself to address the chamber.
In his speech, the prime minister defended the role of public services during major emergencies, citing healthcare workers, emergency services, security forces and other public servants. He argued that the response should involve greater investment and protection for services available to everyone.
Sánchez also referred to a civil guard who entered one of the most damaged carriages and found a young woman alive, after which professionals continued caring for her for the following hour. He presented the episode as an example of the solidarity shown in Spain after the disaster.
Sources: El País Internacional.