King Charles and Queen Camilla Express Condolences After Spain Train Tragedy

King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed their deep sorrow following a tragic train crash in southern Spain that has resulted in the deaths of at least 41 individuals. The incident occurred on March 24, 2024, when the tail end of a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train. The royal couple shared their condolences through their official X account, addressing Spain’s King Felipe amidst a period of national mourning.

In their statement, Charles said, “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appalling train accident in Southern Spain and of the many lives so tragically lost in such a disaster.” He extended heartfelt sympathies to those affected, particularly families grieving the loss of loved ones and those who have sustained injuries.

The collision involved two trains: one carrying 289 passengers and the other nearly 200. The impact was severe, with the first two carriages of the second train derailing and falling down a 4-meter (13-foot) slope. Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to recover bodies from the wreckage, with reports indicating that some victims were found hundreds of meters away from the crash site.

Oscar Puente Santiago, Spain’s Minister of Transport, confirmed that the death toll had risen to 41 as of the morning of March 26, 2024. He stated that additional bodies were discovered while cranes were lifting damaged carriages. The search remains ongoing, with officials cautioning that the number of fatalities may increase.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Minister Puente described the incident as “truly strange,” given that both trains were operating on a straight line and were not exceeding speed limits.

In response to the tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the crash site near the town of Adamuz on March 25, where he declared three days of mourning. Flags at public buildings and naval vessels across the country have been lowered to half-mast.

On March 26, King Felipe and Queen Letizia are scheduled to visit both Adamuz and a hospital in Cordoba, where many of the injured continue to receive medical care. According to health authorities, 39 individuals remain hospitalized, while 83 have been treated and discharged.

Spanish authorities, including the Civil Guard, are collecting DNA samples from family members in hopes of identifying the deceased. The devastation caused by this accident has left the nation in deep mourning, as citizens come to terms with the significant loss of life and the ongoing impact on families and communities across Spain.

As emergency services continue their critical work at the scene, the resilience of the Spanish people is evident, with many offering support to those affected by this heartbreaking event. The royal couple’s message of solidarity reflects the shared sorrow felt nationwide as Spain navigates this painful chapter.