79 counts of homicide charges is what Francisco Jose Garzon Amo, the driver of a train that hurtled off the rails in Spain is facing after the tragic accident occurred last week Wednesday, and has been released on bail pending trial, a judge said Sunday evening, according to reports.
Francisco Jose Garzon Amo, 52, was placed under arrest on Thursday after allegedly speeding while driving the train, causing it to derail as it took a sharp turn, Reuters notes. He reportedly made the corner while driving the train at 118 millers per hour, more than twice the 50 miles per hour speed limit, when it derailed. The accident happened on the outskirts of the northwestern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela.
Garzon Amo was taken to hospital following the train crash with "light" head injuries. Interior minister Jorge Fernandez had said on Saturday there was sufficient evidence to charge Garzon Amo with reckless homicide.
Garzon Amo appeared before examining magistrate Luis Alaez at a closed hearing on Sunday in connection with the accident. Garzon admitted to speeding as he turned the corner, citing a momentary lapse in judgment. Judge Alaez formally charged Garzon Amo with "79 counts of homicide and numerous offences of bodily harm, all of them committed through professional recklessness," the High Court of Galicia said in a statement.
At least 79 people died during last week's crash while a further 70 people injured in the accident remain in local hospitals, 22 of them in critical condition. The latest victim was a US national, the Galician High Court said, bringing to nine the total number of foreigners who died.
Meanwhile, State railway company Renfe said Garzon Amo had been with the firm for 30 years, including 13 years as a driver, and had driven trains past the spot of the accident 60 times.
