Madrid, Nov 10. (dpa/GNA) – Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, attended a national memorial mass at Toledo Cathedral on Tuesday for the 69 people killed in the train crash near Urda almost two weeks ago.
Residents of Urda, a small town south-west of Madrid, placed 69 candles beneath the SantÃsimo Cristo de la Vera-Cruz, a figure of Christ brought to Toledo for the service. It was the first time in centuries that the figure had been taken outside its hometown for a ceremony.
A high-speed train struck a stationary train near Urda on October 28, killing 69 people and injuring more than 100. Fifteen of those killed were from abroad.
At the end of the mass, Felipe and Letizia spoke briefly with each of the victims’ relatives in attendance, offering words of comfort. ‘Your tears are our tears’
The emotional service, which lasted just over 90 minutes, centred on the victims’ relatives and the residents of Urda who were the first to reach the crash site and provide first aid.
Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves, addressed the roughly 100 relatives directly in his sermon. “We weep with you, your tears are our tears,” he said.
He wished them strength in their faith and the many injured a speedy and full recovery.
He said it was “legitimate to demand that the causes be fully clarified” to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
Senior political, judicial and government officials, also attended the Mass.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned following the Urda crash, the second major high-speed rail disaster in less than a year.
GNA