69 Dead in Spain After Train Collision
Dr. Marta Shahbazi, a researcher at Cambridge University, was among the victims killed in the October 28 accident near Toledo.
By Harper Collins ·
Dr. Marta Shahbazi, a molecular biologist at the University of Cambridge, died in a train collision in central Spain on Wednesday, October 28. The accident occurred in Los Yébenes, Toledo, when a moving train struck a stationary one on the line connecting Madrid and Seville. Authorities confirmed at least 69 people died in the crash. More than 100 others sustained injuries.
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Cambridge University first expressed concern about Shahbazi's whereabouts earlier this week. The institute later confirmed her death after receiving news from Spain. The Spanish Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, known as CiMUS, issued a statement to verify the loss. The post identified Shahbazi as the niece of Dr. María José Alonso, a principal investigator at the CiMUS.
Shahbazi held multiple roles at Cambridge institutions. She served as a Group Leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. She also worked as an Affiliate Associate Professor at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. Her research focused on early human development. Colleagues described her work as pioneering and noted her collaborative approach to science.
The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute published a tribute on its website to mourn the loss. The statement said the community was shocked and deeply saddened by the accident. The institute highlighted her creativity and passion. It noted that her generosity would be greatly missed by those who worked with her.
The CiMUS post offered support to Dr. Alonso and the extended family. The institute called Shahbazi a brilliant young researcher. It expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and her colleagues. The statement wished the group strength as they processed the sudden loss.
Shahbazi was part of the research teams at both the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. Her death has prompted tributes from both institutions. The accident on the Madrid-Seville line remains a major tragedy in Spain. The collision resulted in high casualties and injuries across the passengers on board.
The confirmation of her death followed the initial reports of the crash. The timeline places the accident on October 28. The institutions in Cambridge and Spain have now formally acknowledged the loss. The details of her role as a Group Leader and Affiliate Professor define her professional legacy in molecular biology.
