Poland sends condolences after dozens die in Spain train crash
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
25.07.2013 13:45
UPDATED - Poland’s prime minister has expressed his “deepest sympathy” with the Spanish people after at least 78 died in the train crash in north west Spain on Wednesday.
Firefighters work at the site of a train accident close to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, 24 July 2013. At least 35 people have been killed and more than 50 were injured in the accident. Many passengers on the train were pilgrims bound for events dedicated to the patron saint of Santiago de Compostela. The city cancelled the festival: photo - EPA
“On behalf of myself, the Polish government and Polish people extend our sincere solidarity and deepest sympathy "- Prime Minister Tusk has written to his Polish counterpart Mariano Rajoy.
Over 140 passengers are thought to have been injured in Spain's worst train accident in 40 years, when all eight carriages on the Madrid to Ferrol train left the rails near Santiago de Compostela.
No details of the injured have yet been forthcoming from officials at the crash site, but Polish Embassy spokesman Maciej Bernatowicz told Polish Radio on Thursday morning that “everything depends on the development of the rescue operation. We expect more information in a few hours”.
Pope Francis has expressed his sadness on the news of the tragedy and Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, who was born in Santiago de Compostela, has visited the scene and called for three days of national mourning.
It is not known what caused the train to leave the rails, though some witnesses have said that it was travelling around a bend in the track at double normal speed. (pg)