Tragedy in Spain: promising long jumper dies in train accident

The Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) and Gallego’s club AD Sprint confirmed her death. The athlete, who would have celebrated her 24th birthday in October, was a member of the Madrid club and specialized in the long jump.

Her personal best was 5.90 meters. Gallego also competed for LAC Berlin.

“Today is a very sad day for the entire AD Sprint family,” her club AD Sprint wrote on social media. “We say goodbye to our athlete Julieta Gallego, a member of our jumping team, who died in the tragic train accident in Urda. Rest in peace, Julieta. You will always be a part of our Sprint family.”

Julieta Gallego recently lived in Berlin and was reportedly traveling to Spain for a visit. In addition to long jump, she also participated in sprint competitions.

The accident occurred on Wednesday morning on the railway line between Madrid and Seville. A Renfe high-speed train collided with a train of the Iryo company that was standing on the same track near Urda. Several carriages derailed.

According to the latest official information (Thursday evening, 9:30 PM), 69 people died in the accident, and numerous others were injured. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. Details of the accident sequence and possible responsibilities are still unclear.