Breaking: Australians potentially impacted by Spain rail disaster, DFAT says

Topic:Disasters, Accidents and Emergency IncidentsPosted Fri 30 Oct 2026 at 7:04pmFri 30 Oct 2026 at 7:04pmDFAT is working to confirm the welfare of two Australians involved in a crash between two high-speed trains. (Reuters: Ana Beltran)Australian authorities are working to confirm the wellbeing of two Australians after the deadly train crash in Spain earlier this week.A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says consular assistance is being provided to the family of two Australians in connection with the collision."Our heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those killed, with those injured and all affected by the train collision in Spain," a spokesperson said.The crash in central Spain on Wednesday killed at least 69 people.Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the security system on a stretch of track stopped working due to a computer malfunction, causing all trains on that stretch to stop. Minutes after the order to stop was given, a train from state operator Renfe was told by central command it could run again without speed restrictions, leading it to collide with a train operated by the private Spanish company Iryo. The resulting collision has become one of Europe's deadliest train disasters. Spain has since begun three days of mourning.Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who faces a general election on November 29, pledged to establish the cause of the crash."We are working day and night not only to support the victims' families, but also to establish every last detail of this tragedy and strengthen safety measures to ensure it never happens again," he said.