The victims and family members of those who are either injured or killed in railway accidents could receive double the amount of compensation under new regulations passed by the Spanish government.
The law change is one of several reforms that have followed the Santiago de Compostela tragedy on July 24, 2013.
Three days of mourning were declared by Spain’s President Mariano Rajoy following the train crash last year. The Madrid-Ferrol service was travelling at high-speed on a curve outside Santiago de Compostela station when it derailed, claiming the lives of 79 passengers onboard.
Santiago de Compostela became the worst rail disaster in Spain since El Cuervo, Seville, in 1972.
Ministers have also since approved the creation of the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Ferroviaria (State Railway Safety Agency), which will be responsible for issuing operating licenses and safety certification, as well as developing a security policy framework and managing the Special Register of Railway Companies.
