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Transport Minister Says Renfe Ran Despite Red Signal

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Transport Minister Óscar Puente said command ordered a Renfe train to run despite a red signal, causing the crash.
The high-speed Renfe train struck a stationary Iryo train near Urda, Castilla-La Mancha at about 8:53 am.
Puente blamed a computer malfunction that disabled the LZB signaling system at 8:30 am.
At least 68 people died and more than 100 were injured.

History

On 3 June 1998 an ICE 1 train near Eschede derailed after a fatigue-cracked wheel rim failed, killing 101 people. Investigations by Deutsche Bahn and the Fraunhofer LBF led to redesign of the wheel-tyre assembly and stricter inspection regimes. The incident also spurred legal actions and compensation payments.

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On 3 June 1998 an ICE 1 train near Eschede derailed after a fatigue-cracked wheel rim failed, killing 101 people. Investigations by Deutsche Bahn and the Fraunhofer LBF led to redesign of the wheel-tyre assembly and stricter inspection regimes. The incident also spurred legal actions and compensation payments.

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