Imogen Calderwood
THE driver responsible for the Santiago de Compostela train crash has begged forgiveness from the victims.
On the one year anniversary of the tragedy – that killed 79 people and injured 140 – driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo published an open letter in daily newspaper La Voz de Galicia.
“I feel a great deal of pain and sorrow,” said Garzon, who has been provisionally charged with 79 counts of reckless homicide.
“It distresses me to think of what words I can say to you, if they will be adequate, if what I say could bother you. All I can do is ask for forgiveness.”
Garzon has been released under court supervision while the investigation into the crash continues.
The eight-carriage train flew off the track on July 24 last year, as it rounded a notoriously sharp bend at 180kph – more than twice the speed limit.
“In reality I don’t know if what I say or feel could provide you with some relief from your tremendous pain,” he continued.
“You don’t know how much I would give for that. The harm you have suffered is so great.”
Garzon went in to hiding following the tragic accident, but now ‘does not hide anymore’.
The investigating judge, Luis Alaez, has blamed excessive speed and an insufficient automatic breaking system.
But in a phone call from the cabin of the train, moments after the crash, Garzon insisted he had previously voiced concerns over the ‘inhuman’ curve.
Whether they forgive him or not, it’s very sad.