Benidorm calls for a minute of silence this evening in memory of the victims of the railway accident in Toledo
The nationwide call, organised by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), will take place at 8 p.m. outside Benidorm City Hall
Benidorm City Council has called for a minute of silence at 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, in memory of the victims of the devastating railway accident that occurred this morning in the province of Toledo, between the towns of Urda and Los Yébenes. According to the latest official figures, at least 30 people have died, and dozens have been injured. The silent gathering, organised nationwide at the initiative of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), will take place in SS MM Reyes de España Square, outside Benidorm City Hall, at 8 p.m.
As is already known, the accident occurred at around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, when a Renfe high-speed train collided with an Iryo train on the Madrid–Seville high-speed rail line. Around 500 passengers were travelling on the two trains. The impact caused several carriages of the Iryo train to plunge down an embankment, complicating rescue operations, which are still ongoing.
In response to this tragedy, Benidorm Mayor Toni Pérez has publicly expressed, on behalf of the city, his solidarity with those mourning the victims, joining the expressions of “grief over this terrible railway accident that has devastated so many families”. He also conveyed “our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims” and offered the city's support, stating its willingness to “help in any way we can during these difficult times”.