The city of Alicante observed a three-minute silence on Wednesday to remember and pay tribute to the victims of the recent train tragedy in Toledo province. The tribute was part of a nationwide call from the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP).
The ceremony took place in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and was attended by councillors from all municipal groups, city employees, regional deputies, members of the national parliament, local police representatives, and citizens.
“Still shocked and saddened by the tragic train accident that occurred between Urda and Los Yébenes,” said Mayor Luis Barcala at the conclusion of the silence. “I want to express all our love, respect, and support to the victims and their families, as well as our backing for the emergency services working on the ground. From Alicante, we extend our solidarity,” he added.
In mourning for the tragedy, the city council has declared three days of official mourning from 00:00 on Thursday, 29 October, until 24:00 on Saturday, 31 October. During this period, flags will be flown at half-mast outside the town hall, and all official engagements have been cancelled.
The Junta de Portavoces (Board of Spokespersons) unanimously agreed that the regular council meeting scheduled for Thursday will focus solely on government business, postponing motions, questions, and institutional declarations to a later extraordinary session, the date of which is yet to be determined.
“Right now, we only care about the pain of the victims and their families and the solidarity with all those who have lost their lives in this tragedy,” Barcala stated.
The mayor also expressed concern for a 27-year-old woman from Alicante who was aboard one of the derailed trains and had not been located by the time of the tribute. “The city council of Alicante extends its support to her family; we share their uncertainty and express our hope that she can be found safe and that there will be no further fatalities,” he said.
Barcala emphasised the importance of unity in grief during this tragic time and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all healthcare and emergency services, as well as volunteers from neighbouring municipalities, who have worked tirelessly to save lives and assist in the aftermath of the disaster.
He thanked everyone who joined the tribute and announced that another gathering would take place on Thursday at 12:00 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the October 2024 storm, the recent Adam storm, and the Toledo train accident.
