Former Spanish Minister, 24-Year-Old Athlete Among Victims of Deadly Train Crash

A former Spanish government minister and a 24-year-old athlete are among the victims of the deadly high-speed train collision in central Spain, as authorities continue identifying those killed in the disaster.

Fátima Báñez, who served as Spain’s Minister of Employment and Social Security between 2011 and 2018, and Julieta Gallego Gámez, a promising long jumper, were among the victims confirmed on Thursday following the collision in Toledo province.

The crash occurred on Wednesday, October 28, near Urda, when a high-speed train operated by Renfe struck the rear of an Iryo train that was stationary on the railway line. At least 69 people were reported dead, while more than 140 others sustained injuries.

The two trains were carrying a combined 544 passengers when the collision occurred, according to Spanish media reports. Emergency responders were deployed to the scene as rescue operations and victim identification continued.

Báñez, 59, was travelling to Seville to attend a business event organised by the Confederation of Business Organisations of Andalusia. She was the president of the Fundación CEOE, the foundation of Spain’s leading business organisation, after leaving active politics.

Her death was confirmed by the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), which expressed sadness over the loss and paid tribute to her contribution to the organisation.

She served under former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and was a prominent figure in the conservative People’s Party. During her time in government, she oversaw employment and social security policy, including the controversial 2012 labour reform.

Political figures and business leaders have since paid tribute to her, remembering her public service and work in the business community.

The disaster has also claimed the life of Julieta Gallego Gámez, a 24-year-old long jumper who competed for Madrid-based athletics club AD Sprint.

The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation confirmed her death, expressing condolences to her family, friends, teammates and club.

Gallego had recorded a personal best of 5.90 metres in the long jump at the Spanish Under-23 Indoor Championships in 2023, where she finished fourth. She had also competed in sprint events and was regarded as an emerging talent in Spanish athletics.

Her club described her death as a devastating loss, while athletics officials expressed sorrow over the sudden loss of a young competitor whose sporting journey had been cut short.

Among other victims identified was Antonio Acedo Meneses, the Renfe train driver, who was 36 years old. He had followed a family tradition in railway work, with both his father and grandfather having worked in the sector.

A Guardia Civil officer, José Manuel Chacón, 31, was also among those killed. He was travelling to Seville to spend time with his family.

Antonio Montero Domínguez, an inspector with Spain’s tax administration and a recognised specialist in tax law, was another victim. His death prompted tributes from colleagues and officials in the finance sector.

The identities of additional victims have continued to emerge as authorities work to establish the full list of those who died.

The collision has triggered widespread grief across Spain, with the country declaring three days of official mourning.

Investigators are working to establish what caused the crash, including why the Renfe train struck the stationary Iryo service. Authorities have not yet established a final cause, and the investigation remains ongoing.

As families await confirmation and more names are released, tributes to the victims have continued across political, professional and sporting communities.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about railway safety in Spain, following another serious rail accident earlier in the year.