A Cambridge University scientist, Dr Marta Shahbazi, 41, died among 69 victims when a high-speed train crash near Toledo, Spain, while en route to receive an award for her research on stem cells and early human development.

The Wellcome MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Shahbazi's colleagues paid tribute, calling her inspiring, talented, and passionate, and offered support to her community.

Spain declared three days of national mourning as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged a full investigation into the tragedy.

National authorities identified 56 of the 69 victims, with 51 families officially notified; among identified victims, 54 were Spanish, with several foreign nationals still missing.

DNA samples from the parents were submitted to aid identification of remains because injuries hinder visual recognition.

The report includes promotional elements from a news aggregator, but the core facts concern Shahbazi's death and the crash location.

The incident occurred midweek and is treated as a major national and international news event.

Transport minister Óscar Puente resisted resignations, saying the rail network is safe and calling the crash 'tremendously exceptional.'

The LMB confirmed Shahbazi’s involvement and later noted her whereabouts were unknown until her death was confirmed.

The crash happened shortly before 9:00 local time on October 28, involving more than 500 passengers across two trains, with around 70 unaccounted for at the time.

Shahbazi’s research focused on early embryonic development, particularly embryo implantation and chromosome errors, using spare embryos donated by IVF patients.

Investigators believe an Adif controller in Madrid may have instructed the AVE driver to proceed at normal speed despite a signalling failure, with audio indicating confusion in the control room.