European Public Office Investigates Rail Funds After Urda Crash
European prosecutors are investigating potential fraud involving European Union funds assigned to modernizing the high-speed railway line between Madrid and Andalusië, De Telegraaf reported. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is examining where the money went following a fatal train accident near Urda on October 28. The investigation centers on funds designated for the renewal of safety, signaling, and communication systems along the corridor. Investigators have not yet determined the destination of the missing money. EPPO stated that no further details will be made public at this stage of the inquiry. The scrutiny follows a turbulent period for Spain’s rail network. Óscar Puente resigned as transport minister earlier this month after facing intense opposition over his temporary plan to reduce train frequencies between Madrid and Andalucia to improve safety. During a heated parliamentary debate prior to his resignation, Puente defended a 780 million euro modernization plan launched by his administration. He also questioned the decision by Adif’s traffic management to allow the AVE high-speed train involved in the Urda crash to resume regular operations. Systemic issues continue to plague infrastructure across the country. In January, 46 people died in a separate train crash in Adamuz along the same high-speed corridor, which suffered three additional train accidents that same month. Beyond collisions, recurring delays and disruptions plague commuters. Passengers on the R1 line toward Barcelona from smaller Costa Brava towns frequently face canceled services. Coastal erosion and rising sea levels damage the coastal tracks, causing frequent power supply failures.
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The EPPO in Madrid 🇪🇸 has opened a second investigation into possible fraud affecting EU funds allocated to the renovation of the Madrid – Seville high-speed railway line, on which the tragic accident occurred last week in the province of Toledo. More: https://t.co/ym9vKtznDa pic.twitter.com/Qge3tyOdcn
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