merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., has expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and to those who were injured in the train derailment in Northern Spain.

The passenger train, which had been travelling between Madrid and Ferrol in Northwestern Spain, derailed on the outskirts of the city of Santiago de Compostela last night.

"My thoughts are with those who have lost family and loved ones in this tragic accident. The Galician region and the city of Santiago is a popular destination for Irish travellers and the Irish Embassy in Madrid has been in contact with the regional authorities since the accident occured. While at this stage, there is no indication of any Irish involvement, the situation is still developing and it will be some time before all of those involved have been identified.

I would ask any family who are concerned for loved ones they believe may have been travelling on the train to contact my Department at 01-4082000’

25 July 2013

Note to Editors:

Updates on the situation will be available throughout the day on our twitter accounts @dfatravel @IrlEmbMadrid