The European Union has launched an investigation into potential misuse of funds allocated for railway safety improvements in Spain following a deadly train crash that killed 69 people. The incident occurred on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line in October, marking one of the worst railway disasters in Europe this century.

Prosecutors confirmed the probe, which follows a similar investigation initiated in March after another accident on the same stretch of track. The October crash overshadowed Spain’s upcoming general election, drawing significant public and political attention. The EU funds in question were intended for the renovation of the railway line, raising concerns about safety standards and financial accountability.

This is not the first time the line has been linked to safety issues. A prior accident in March prompted an investigation into the track’s condition, highlighting ongoing concerns about infrastructure maintenance. The current probe aims to determine whether EU funds were misused or improperly allocated, potentially impacting future safety improvements. The EU’s involvement underscores the broader implications of the incident for regional transportation policies and funding oversight.