Train collision in Spain claims nine lives, including former Minister

Among the deceased is Fátima Báñez, former Minister of Employment and Social Security under the PP governments, and current president of the CEOE Foundation. The 59-year-old was traveling on the Iryo train when it was struck by the Renfe AVE. Both trains had departed from Madrid and were headed to Seville, where Báñez was scheduled to attend a business event.

The list of victims also includes the father of actor César Vicente, known for his roles in films like ‘Pain and Glory’ and ‘The Tigers’. Additionally, Francisco Vázquez and Curro Vázquez, son and brother respectively of Antonio Vázquez, the manager of bullfighter Pablo Aguado, were killed.

Francisco J. R., a 51-year-old businessman from Granada, also perished in the accident. He was traveling in seat 13C of the AVE train that collided with the Iryo train. Despite residing in Madrid, he maintained strong family and friendship ties in Granada.

Another victim identified is Francisco José Barbero Liébanas, a 32-year-old from Córdoba, who was traveling from Madrid to visit his family. He also had connections to the municipality of Bélmez de la Moraleda and was a student at the University of Jaén (UJA).

A 26-year-old woman from Mallorca with family ties in Rute (Córdoba) was also among the dead. She was traveling to Seville for work with a colleague and two photographers. She was the only one of the four not yet accounted for.

José Manuel Chacón, a 31-year-old Guardia Civil agent who had been missing following the accident, has also been confirmed among the deceased. He was stationed in Madrid and was traveling to Seville.

Finally, María de los Ángeles M., a resident of Cuevas de San Marcos (Málaga) and owner of a guesthouse, was also identified as a victim. She had lived in the Malaga municipality for approximately five to six years.

This accident is now more severe than the one that occurred on January 18th in Adamuz (Córdoba), which resulted in 46 deaths and 152 injuries. The Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) is currently investigating the cause of the disaster.