Residents in central Spain are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic collision between two high-speed trains, which has left at least 68 people dead and dozens more injured.

On a rail line between the capital Madrid and the city of Seville, a train carrying 397 passengers collided at high speed with another train that was stationary on the tracks and had 147 people on board. The resulting force caused several carriages to be derailed.

This is the most deadly rail disaster in Europe in more than a decade, but it’s also the second train accident that’s taken place in Spain this year.

In January, 46 people were killed and 292 injured in a crash that took place on the same Madrid–Seville train line. This raises questions about rail safety.

For Australia, which is developing its first higher-speed railway, the broader question is how to maintain safety, especially when equipment fails or there are other disruptions due to severe weather or maintenance.

Are trains generally safe?

Rail travel, including high-speed rail,........

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