Train collision occurs in Spain
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Casa Real, the Spanish Royal Family, has released an emotional video of King Felipe of Spain, following a high-speed train collision in Toledo on Wednesday morning that has left at least 68 dead at the time of writing.
The video was taken during the Spanish King’s visit to the Jaime I military base in Bétera, a trip that has been cut short, allowing Felipe to return home to Madrid to “monitor” the disaster with greater attention.
He told local media outlets: “I am waiting to return so I can follow the emergency and learn more details of what has happened. We have obviously shortened this activity in Valencia, in Bétera, and we will return as quickly as possible.”
The Spanish King also used the opportunity to offer words of encouragement and support to all the emergency services attending to the situation.
King Felipe appeared to be on the verge of tears while speaking of the incident and has issued an emotional tribute via the Casa Real social media account.
The statement reads: “We are moved and concerned by the train incident in Urda (Toledo).
“We share in the sorrow of the families and loved ones of the deceased and send our affection to the injured and those affected.
“Our support also goes to the emergency teams and all those working in the area to help as much as possible under these circumstances.”
A passenger on one of the two trains that collided on the high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Andalusia described a moment of “incredible strong” impact.
Miguel Ángel Pérez Laguna was travelling in one of the last carriages of the AVE high-speed train when it crashed near Urda station.
Despite being towards the back of the train, Mr Pérez Laguna told Capitol Radio that he felt as if the collision had happened right in front of him.
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The impact caused two carriages to derail and fall down an embankment, resulting in the confirmed deaths of 68 passengers so far.
The King has cancelled a number of official engagements in response to the incident, meaning he will not appear at a commemorative concert at the National Music Auditorium, as planned.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken to King Felipe to offer his condolences and has said that his thoughts are with those affected.
The collision marks the second deadly rail accident this year in Spain, following a crash in January in the Cordoba province when a train derailed from the track, killing 46.
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