More than 60 people are dead following a high-speed train collision in Urda, Toledo, after leaked cab radio recordings revealed that control center staff instructed the driver of the AVE train to resume normal operations shortly before the crash.
Conflicting Directives Issued From Atocha Station
Leaked audio published by El País and Eldiario.es shows that an Atocha station control center operator—working alongside a supervisor and an assistant—issued the directive to the AVE driver when the train was approximately 25 kilometers away from a stationary Iryo service.
The Fragmented Radio Exchanges
The first recovered audio captures a fragmented exchange between the Atocha control center operator and the late AVE machinist. The operator instructs the driver to disconnect and reconnect the LZB automated safety system, proceed with the journey, and subsequently operate under block system limits with normal movement. Meanwhile, a second recording features the Iryo train driver clearly informing the control center that her train is halted at the Urda entry signal. Despite that notification, the control center operator instructed her as well to resume normal travel.
Final Warnings Before the Impact
A third audio recording from Wednesday evening captures a final conversation between the Iryo machinist and Atocha control. In that transmission, the driver warns the control room that the train’s onboard systems are preventing her from checking the LZB safety equipment, leaving her stranded directly in front of the entry signal. The control operator responds by acknowledging the issue and telling the driver to call back if any further complications arise before the fatal impact occurs.
Ongoing Judicial Inquiry and Technical Analysis
Investigators continue to analyze the sequence of control room instructions and signal statuses leading up to the disaster in Toledo province. Further updates on the technical findings and the ongoing judicial inquiry will be released as official reports progress.
Worth a look
