Control Center Authorized High Speed While Train Remained Stalled
Audio recordings show operators instructing the AVE to resume normal speed while the Iryo ahead had not yet restarted.
By Ahmed Peterson ·
High-speed rail systems in Spain rely on automated controls to prevent collisions, yet the wreckage from a crash near Toledo suggests a manual override failed. Audio recordings released by Spanish media detail the minutes before two trains collided on Wednesday morning.
The crash occurred just before 9:00 a.m. local time in the province of Toledo. At least 69 people died, and dozens were injured. The collision involved a Renfe AVE and an Iryo train, both traveling from Madrid to Sevilla.
A computer fault disrupted train operations in a zone approximately 140 kilometers south of Madrid. The failure affected the LZB system, a continuous control mechanism that monitors speed and position. The Iryo, traveling ahead, stopped due to a transmission error. The AVE followed behind.
Operators at the Atocha control center in Madrid attempted to manage the situation. They instructed the Iryo driver to disconnect and reconnect the LZB system and resume travel under the BSL signaling regime. The driver reported at 8:41 that the train could not restart due to the transmission failure. The operator replied with a standard acknowledgment.
In a separate call, the operator instructed the AVE driver to disconnect and reconnect the LZB and resume travel at normal speed. The driver asked for confirmation regarding the speed. The operator confirmed the instruction. Protocol dictates a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour when the LZB system is down, allowing drivers to visually identify obstacles.
The AVE was authorized to travel at speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour. The Iryo remained stalled about 30 kilometers ahead. At 8:48, the Iryo driver warned she had not yet advanced. The operator told her to proceed as soon as possible. Five minutes later, the AVE struck the Iryo from behind.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the decision to resume circulation as inexplicable. He stated that the control center decided to restart movement without the safety system being restored. President Pedro Sánchez ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Source: La Opinión
