Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has spoken out following the deadly train collision near Urda, Toledo, describing the accident as an “injustice” and questioning whether modern railway infrastructure is receiving the necessary maintenance and supervision.
In a message published in an Instagram Story on Thursday, 29 October, the singer expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the collision between a Renfe AVE train and a stationary Iryo service.
“Todos podríamos habernos subido a este tren. Mi alma podría haber viajado en él”, he wrote, reflecting on how easily anyone could have been among the passengers.
Iglesias also criticised what he described as a lack of care for modern infrastructure and the failure to follow the maintenance standards required for advanced systems.
Julio Iglesias Calls for Greater Infrastructure Checks
In his statement, the singer said that technological progress and faster communications must be accompanied by proper maintenance and close monitoring.
He expressed concern that modern infrastructure needs to be looked after and inspected thoroughly, adding that every advance should be accompanied by a comprehensive review of what has been built.
His message concluded with a call for more rigorous inspections and supervision of infrastructure, highlighting the importance of ensuring that modern systems remain properly maintained.
69 People Confirmed Dead in the Urda Collision
The comments followed Wednesday's devastating railway collision near Urda, in the province of Toledo, involving a Renfe AVE train and an Iryo service that had stopped on the line.
By Thursday, 29 October, authorities had confirmed 69 deaths, making the collision one of Spain's deadliest railway disasters in recent decades.
A preliminary investigation report published later on Thursday identified a possible sequence of technical failures, instructions and actions that may have contributed to the collision. Investigators stressed that the inquiry was still in its early stages and that the circumstances and responsibilities had not yet been conclusively established.
Iglesias's comments add to the public reaction following the tragedy, with questions being raised about railway safety, infrastructure maintenance and the need for thorough checks of the systems on which passengers depend.