European prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged fraud involving European Union funds earmarked for the Madrid‑Sevilla high‑speed rail line. The inquiry follows a fatal collision between two high‑speed trains near Urda, south of Madrid, which killed 69 people last week. The same line suffered another major accident on 18 January, when two trains collided near Adamuz, Andalusia, resulting in 46 deaths; prosecutors had already launched a case in that incident. The investigation focuses on possible misuse of EU money intended for the line’s renewal and safety upgrades, including signalling and communication systems. Authorities are conducting investigative measures at Adif, the Spanish state-owned company that manages the country’s railway infrastructure, and other public bodies. Transport Minister Óscar Puente, who had been in office during both accidents, resigned on Tuesday.
Article source: El Nuevo Diario | Image credit: El Nuevo Diario