TOKYO - Spanish authorities have confirmed one Japanese dead and suggested another is likely among the unidentified foreign victims in a high-speed train crash in central Spain last week, Japan's top government spokesman said Monday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara cited a press release issued by the Spanish authorities on Sunday after a reporter asked about the situation of the two Japanese nationals on the passenger lists at a press conference in Tokyo.
"The Japanese government is currently doing its utmost to confirm the identity of the individuals and support their family members, in coordination with Spanish authorities," Kihara said.
According to Spain's government, the accident last Wednesday occurred after a computer system malfunction automatically stopped six trains on the line and a rail control center told the driver of the following train to depart, despite a red signal, while the safety system was still down.
