Spanish Long Jumper Julieta Gallego Identified Among Victims of Toledo Train Collision
Twenty-four-year-old long jumper Julieta Gallego was among at least 68 people killed in a high-speed train collision in Toledo province, prompting widespread mourning.
Key points
- Athlete Julieta Gallego died in the Toledo train collision.
- The crash killed at least 68 people and injured around 80 others.
- It is the second deadly accident on the Madrid-Andalusia line in under a year.
The sports community in Spain is mourning the loss of 24-year-old long jumper Julieta Gallego, who was among the fatalities in a fatal railway accident in Toledo province. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday when two high-speed trains collided along the route connecting Madrid to southern Andalusia, marking the second major disaster on the line in under twelve months.
The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation confirmed her death in a formal statement published Thursday on social media, extending condolences to her relatives, companions, and representatives of her Madrid-based club, AD Sprint. Gallego was a well-known competitor in domestic club tournaments and established her personal best of 5.90 metres in Antequera during the 2023 season.
Raul Chapado, president of the federation, conveyed deep sorrow over the loss in comments to a national publication, describing the tragedy as a severe blow to the athletic community that cut short a promising life. AD Sprint also acknowledged her contributions to the club as fellow athletes and officials came to terms with the catastrophe.
Regional authorities confirmed that at least 68 individuals lost their lives in the collision, while roughly 80 others sustained injuries. Emiliano Garcia-Page, president of the Castilla-La Mancha regional administration, stated that 50 of the injured are in serious condition and 15 remain critical following the impact.
Emergency response teams established a triage station at a nearby sports hall to evaluate survivors before transferring the most critically wounded to medical facilities in Madrid and surrounding areas. Patients treated near the site exhibited severe head injuries, facial trauma, and shock, according to accounts from the scene.
