Spain adopts new safety measures following fatal train crash

The Spanish government has approved measures to improve rail safety, just under a week after a high-speed train crash that killed 69 people, reported the German Press Agency (dpa).

A €30 million (US$34 million) support package for victims and their families was also approved at the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, according to a statement from the government led by prime minister Pedro Sanchez.

The accident happened last Wednesday near the town of Urda, about 130km south of Madrid.

A train operated by state-owned railway company Renfe crashed into the rear of a stationary train operated by private operator Iryo.

It was the second serious train accident in Spain in nine months.

In January, 46 people were killed when two high-speed trains collided in Adamuz, Andalusia.

The investigation into the Urda accident is focusing primarily on the failure of the LZB train control system and possible errors in instructions issued by the control centre of network operator Adif.

The number of trains operating between Madrid and Seville will be reduced until the new European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) comes into operation on the route, transport minister Oscar Puente said.

Should the existing LZB system fail, a second member of staff at the control centre will be required to check and confirm the instructions given to train drivers.

Staffing levels at control centres will also be increased, and working conditions for staff improved.

Victims and their relatives will receive support through specially established contact points.

A special scheme providing temporary incapacity-for-work benefits will also be available to those injured in the crash.