The Spanish Athletics Federation called for deep sadness following the death of athlete Julita Gallego, who lost her life in a two-train collision that occurred in the province of Toledo. Gallego is one of the most prominent long jumpers in Spanish sports, having achieved a best of 5.90 meters at the Antequera Championships in 2023, representing Club A. D. Sprint, which has headquarters in Madrid.
The accident occurred in Orda, where a state-owned Renfe train collided with the back of a stopped private train, according to statements by Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente. The minister indicated that the cause of the collision was an inexplicable error by the train command center, which raises questions about the safety of the country's railway lines. The accident witnessed the death of at least 69 people, leaving the sports and media circles deeply affected.
In an official statement, the Spanish Federation expressed its condolences to Gallego's family, friends and colleagues at the club, expressing its support for them in these difficult moments. The federation also stressed the importance of solidarity among all sports circles in Spain, expressing its deep affection for the loss of one of its talented champions.
The incident also affected the Spanish football schedule, as the Spanish Football Federation decided to postpone the Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday, in honor of the victims and paying respect to them. This demonstrates the commitment of Spanish sports to deal with traumatic events with respect and compassion, while maintaining the safety of players and fans alike.