Spain train driver on phone at time of crash, police say

GlobalPost
The World

The driver of the train that derailed in Spain last week, killing 79 people, was on the phone at the time of the crash, investigators said Tuesday.

Data from the train's "black box" also indicates driver Francisco Jose Garzon was going 95 mph, almost twice the speed limit, when the train veered off the tracks, hit a wall and caught fire just outside the city of Santiago de Compostela last Wednesday night.'

According to a Spanish court, Garzon was talking on the phone to an official with the Renfe national rail company at the time as well and looking at a paper document.

More from GlobalPost: Spain: Train driver Francisco Jose Garzon charged with homicide

Garzon has been placed under investigation on suspicion of reckless homicide.

He was released from police custody Sunday but remained under court supervision, according to the BBC.

On Monday, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, along with Prince Felipe and his wife Princess Letizia, joined relatives for a Mass for the 79 victims.

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