EU Prosecutors Launch Probe into Potential Fraud Following Fatal Spanish Train Crash

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has initiated an investigation into possible fraud concerning the financing of Spain's rail network, following a high-speed train collision that resulted in the deaths of at least 69 passengers last month. The EPPO announced on Friday that it conducted investigations at the headquarters of Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, its railway safety agency, and its court of auditors. These measures aim to ascertain potential fraud in the funding of the Madrid-Seville high-speed line.

A statement from the prosecutors detailed, “Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid (Spain) is conducting investigative measures at the Administrator of Railway Infrastructure (ADIF), the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) and the Court of Auditors in Spain.” The EPPO further elaborated, “This comes after the opening of an investigation into possible fraud affecting EU funds allocated to the renovation and upgrading of safety, signaling and communications systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line.”

Spain’s rail infrastructure manager, Adif, confirmed the EPPO's visit to Reuters, stating its full cooperation and provision of requested information. The other two organizations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The train collision occurred on October 28 in Urda, Toledo province, marking the second fatal crash this year and leading to the resignation of Transport Minister Oscar Puente. This incident follows a previous EPPO probe into the Spanish rail network in March, prompted by a high-speed train crash in the Adamuz region that killed 46 passengers in January. Updates on that investigation, which examines the use of EU funds for track maintenance, are currently unavailable.

EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed significant concern regarding the proximity of the two fatal accidents, describing the situation as “very worrying” and “not something we want to see.” Tzitzikostas also mentioned that Spain has sought assistance from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) for an ongoing national investigation.

Oscar Puente resigned on Tuesday, citing “a matter of political dignity,” with Adif President Luis Pedro Marco de la Pena quitting the following day. Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo is set to temporarily assume Puente’s responsibilities until the upcoming elections, which may be influenced by the recent tragedy.

In late October, survivors from three of Spain’s most fatal train crashes convened to advocate for improved safety procedures and increased investment in network maintenance to prevent future disasters. Train crash survivor Cristobal Gonzalez stated, “Now we have seen three dreadful crashes in Spain, at Angrois, Adamuz and Urda. They will keep happening if we do not act.” He added, “At Angrois, the driver was going too fast; at Adamuz, an investigation said there was a problem on the track; and at Urda, it might have been human error and a problem with the control system. Whatever, we must stop these crashes happening by investing more in safety.” The 2013 Angrois accident, which claimed 79 lives, remains Spain’s deadliest rail crash in modern history.