Urda crash: Government approves 30 million in aid and advance payments for the victims

The Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a royal decree-law on urgent measures to support the victims of the Urda (Toledo) rail crash, worth 30 million euros, Transport Minister Óscar Puente announced at the press conference after the meeting, as reported by Press Digital and EITB based on agency reports. According to Press Digital, 15 million will go to urgent aid and another 15 to advances on insurance compensation.

The amount for each death is 72,121 euros, and the amount for injuries ranges from some 2,400 euros in minor cases to 84,141 euros in the most serious ones, according to both outlets. Press Digital specifies that the insurance advance is added to the direct aid for the same amount; EITB gives the figures for aid and advances combined. The aid is tax-free, paid in a single payment and compatible with compensation from compulsory and civil liability insurance, according to the same sources. Puente said the package seeks to provide “certainty” and is similar to the one approved after the Adamuz (Córdoba) crash in January, according to EITB.

According to EITB, sick leave for those affected will be considered a workplace accident from the first day, and pensions will be calculated as arising from a workplace accident where that is more favourable to them.

The collision between a Renfe AVE and an Iryo train occurred on October 28. The official death toll is 69, all of them now identified, according to the High Court of Justice of Castilla-La Mancha. The causes are still under investigation, and high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended.