The Council of Ministers yesterday approved a royal decree-law of urgent measures for victims of the rail accident in Urda, Toledo. The then Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, presented it at the subsequent press conference. The aid is compatible with mandatory compensation and is intended to avoid the delays typical of ordinary insurance procedures.
The €30 million is divided into €15 million for urgent aid and €15 million for advances under the civil liability insurance. These amounts are exempt from taxation and compatible with mandatory compensation.
In the event of death, the aid amounts to just over €72,121 per person, with the same sum available as an advance. For injuries, payments range from just over €2,404 (minor severity) to more than €84,141 (maximum severity), with the same advance available.
Temporary incapacity leave will be treated as an employment accident. It will be paid from the first day, at 75% of the regulatory base rather than 60%. Permanent incapacity, death and survivors’ pensions will be calculated as arising from an employment accident where this is more favourable. Civil Service pensioners may opt into the extraordinary pension scheme. Protection will be granted automatically and with retroactive effect.
The Government is creating Comprehensive Assistance Offices at Government Delegations and Sub-Delegations. Those unable to travel will be assisted at home through the “La Administración Cerca de Ti” programme.
The decree also caps prices for alternative rail transport and associated accommodation while the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line remains closed. The maximum price will match the previous reference period.