In brief
Spanish athletics mourned the loss of 24‑year‑old long jumper Julieta Gallego, who was a victim of a Wednesday train crash north of Madrid. The collision, which reportedly killed at least 69 people, has left dozens injured. The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation expressed its deep sympathy and support for Gallego’s family.
Confirmed reports from Xinhua and Reuters say Spanish long‑jumper Julieta Gallego, 24, died in a Wednesday train crash that killed at least 69 people and injured dozens near Madrid, about 120 kilometres south of the capital.
Gallego, who lives in Germany and competes for Madrid‑based AD Sprint, was visiting Spain at the time of the accident. Her personal best in the long jump, 5.90 metres, was set at last year’s Spain Under‑23 Indoor Championships.
The crash, which involved one train ramming into the back of another, has been described by both outlets as the deadliest rail accident in Spain this year.
Raul Chapado, president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA), released a statement expressing “deepest sympathy” for Gallego and her family, calling the tragedy a “blow that hurts to the very core of the athletics family.” The federation also posted a message on social media expressing its profound grief and offering support to the athlete’s loved ones.
Initial casualty figures from the crash were 69 deceased, with dozens injured. The death toll and injury numbers remain the focus of ongoing investigations by Spanish rail authorities.
