Spanish long jumper Julieta Gallego was among at least 68 people killed in a train collision in Toledo province, prompting tributes from the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation.
The 24-year-old athlete, who competed for Madrid-based AD Sprint, died in the crash in Urda, the federation said. About 80 people were injured, including 50 who were seriously hurt and 15 whose condition was critical.
“The Spanish athletics family joins in the grief over the passing of Julieta Gallego, athlete of AD Sprint, in the train accident that occurred in Urda (Toledo),” the RFEA said in a statement, offering its support to Gallego’s family, friends and club teammates.
Gallego regularly competed in Spain’s club championships. She recorded a personal best of 5.90 metres in the long jump at Antequera in 2023.
RFEA president Raul Chapado told the Spanish newspaper ABC: “There are blows that strike at the very heart of the athletics family. Today, the sport mourns the passing of Julieta, a life ahead of her that has been unjustly extinguished.”
Train collision in Toledo province
Two high-speed trains collided on Wednesday on the line connecting Madrid with southern Andalusia. It was the second deadly accident in less than a year on the route.
The most seriously injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid. Other survivors were assessed at a sports hall near the crash site, where emergency teams triaged them before sending them home or to hospital.
Local media reported that people treated near the scene had head wounds, facial swelling and bloodied clothing, with many left dazed by the collision.
