Judge recommends pardon for 2013 Santiago train derailment driver

Judge Elena Fernández Currás of the Santiago de Compostela Court has recommended a total pardon for Francisco Javier Garzón, the driver of the Alvia train that derailed in Santiago de Compostela on July 24, 2013. The accident resulted in 80 deaths and approximately 150 injuries.

According to the judge, there are ‘reasons of justice and equity’ to grant the pardon. Garzón was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for homicide and injuries caused by gross negligence. The judge noted that the driver has no prior criminal record, has already acknowledged his error, and is currently retired, making the likelihood of recidivism ‘practically null.’

The report also highlighted that civil liability has been almost entirely settled by Renfe’s insurer. The derailment occurred when the driver entered a curve at excessive speed after being distracted by a professional mobile phone call from a train reviewer.