Cambridge University professor missing after Spain train crash

A UK professor reportedly involved in the train collision that took place in Spain earlier this week is still missing. Cambridge University said they are “deeply concerned” after receiving reports that Dr Marta Shahbazi, an affiliate assistant professor at Cambridge University and a scientist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, was involved in the train collision near Urda in which at least 69 people died.

The whereabouts of the group leader in the Cell Biology Division are “unknown at this time,” a message on the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology website read.

The full statement read: “The LMB is deeply concerned following reports that Marta Shahbazi, Group Leader in the Cell Biology Division, was involved in the train collision near Urda, Spain, on Wednesday 28th October. Her whereabouts are unknown at this time. The LMB is in close contact with her family and is monitoring the situation closely for any updates. Our thoughts are with Marta, her family, friends and colleagues at this deeply worrying time.”

The train crash occurred just before 9am Spanish time on Wednesday, October 28, in Los Yébenes, Toledo. It involved two trains, one which was stationary and the other which struck it from behind. At least 69 people were killed, and more than 100 people were left injured.

More than 500 passengers were on board the two trains when one, travelling at high speed, ploughed into the back of another, causing a catastrophic impact. At an afternoon press conference, transport minister Oscar Puente confirmed that a computer failure triggered the sudden halt of six trains in motion. He said: “In the event of a system failure, the control centre takes over.” The minister added that the control centre permitted the train to resume its journey without any speed limitations.

The high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Andalucia has been suspended in the wake of the catastrophic incident. The collision involved a Renfe AVE service, which departed Madrid at 8am for Seville, and an Iryo-operated train, which occurred between the villages of Los Yebenes and Urda.