On Thursday, July 25, 2013, His Majesty King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain arrived at the Hospital Clínico de Santiago de Compostela to met with families as well as victims of Wednesday’s horrific train accident which killed 79 people and injured 95.  Speed was a factor in the crash.  Apparently, the train was “…traveling twice the maximum speed allowed along the section of the track where the train derailed.” 

According to the Los Angeles Times the train was:

“…en route from Madrid to the port town of Ferrol when it jumped the tracks Wednesday evening with 218 passengers on board.

Santiago de Compostela, which was on the eve of hosting a major religious festival that attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, canceled its planned celebrations.”

Speaking to the press His Majesty said:

“All the Spanish people join in the sorrow of the relatives of the deceased.  We hope that those injured will recover gradually.  Of course we wish to congratulate the volunteers, medical staff, and blood donors for what they have done…”

This morning, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias arrived at the Hospital Clínico de Santiago de Compostela to offer their support as well as comfort to victims and families.  The royal couple also visited Angrois, the scene of the crash near Santiago de Compostela, to met with rescue workers and those who helped the victims of Wednesday’s crash.

Click here and here to watch videos.