Brussels will "examine in detail" the Urda train accident and offers "all its help" to Spain: "Europe cries with you"

Brussels is "closely following" the serious train accident in Urda (Toledo) and has offered "all its help" to Spain. The main spokesperson for the Commission, Paula Pinho, thus began the daily press conference of the Community Executive, and in which she also announced what the steps of the EU Railway Agency will be. "We are monitoring the situation together with the European Union Railway Agency. And, on that basis, we are also prepared to support the Spanish authorities in any way that may be necessary," said Pinho.

"It is too early, absolutely too early, to draw conclusions. But, through the Railway Agency, we will examine the situation more closely and will also establish any contacts that may be necessary in such tragic circumstances," the spokesperson stressed.

And Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, spokesperson responsible for Transport, has stressed what Brussels' steps will be regarding the accident. "We want to give the Spanish authorities the space and the possibility to carry out this work, to communicate their conclusions and to maintain contact with both our EU Railway Agency and our services," he said.

"We maintain contact with the Spanish authorities to know, first of all, their complete evaluation and interpretation of what happened. And then, our role will be to intervene when we are requested, if we are asked," he added.

The tragedy has provoked numerous expressions of solidarity with Spain from different European leaders. "My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims. Europe mourns with you," the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, published on her social networks.

As Pinho explained, the senior German official has not yet been able to speak directly with the President of the Government Pedro Sánchez. "She has not had the opportunity. The president is currently traveling to Canada. But she wanted to convey her feelings and her regrets to all the victims of this tragic accident that occurred this morning," the spokesperson said.

"I receive with deep dismay the news of the tragic train accident that occurred in Toledo. My most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the fatal victims. All my solidarity with the injured, to whom I wish a speedy recovery. Thanks to the emergency teams who are working to assist those affected. All my support to the Spanish people in these hours of pain," said the President of the European Council, António Costa.