Advertisement

Spain ex-rail boss charged over Santiago train crash that killed 80

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
Spain ex-rail boss charged over Santiago train crash that killed 80
The train derailed in July 2013.

A former safety official for Spain's state railway operator has been charged with homicide over a 2013 train derailment that left 80 people dead, according to a judicial ruling released Monday.

Advertisement

Previously the train driver was the only person facing criminal charges over the tragedy in July 2013 when a train left the track on a sharp bend while travelling at double the speed limit, near Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.

Andres Maria Cortabitarte, who was safety director at state rail management company Adif at the time of the crash, has now been charged "as allegedly responsible for crimes of homicide and injuries through serious negligence," a judge ruled in a decision made public on Monday.

"There is sufficient indication that, as far as Adif is concerned, not everything possible was done to reduce the risks," the judge said in his decision dated March 10.

A previous judicial decision, in 2014, not to prosecute Adif officials angered relatives of the crash victims and the enquiry was reopened last year.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also