Spain train crash kills 68, jolting Sánchez before Nov. 29 vote
Why it matters: The second deadly high-speed rail crash this year deepened scrutiny of rail safety four weeks before the election.
A high-speed train collision in Urda, in Spain's Toledo province, killed 68 people on Oct. 28, marking the country's second deadly rail disaster of the year and putting fresh pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez weeks before a national election. Sánchez visited the site and pledged an investigation after regional authorities reported dozens more were hospitalized. The government declared three days of mourning starting Thursday. The crash involved one train striking another from behind, and both 2026 fatal crashes involved services run by state-owned Renfe and private operator Iryo. The latest disaster has fueled criticism over rail safety and infrastructure as Spaniards prepare to vote on Nov. 29.