The Atocha controllers ordered to follow the wrong protocol before the collision between the AVE and the Iryo: "I was getting confused"

The Atocha controllers mistakenly instructed the AVE 2080 to follow the LZB 4 protocol instead of the necessary LZB 3 before colliding with the Iryo 6076, resulting in numerous casualties. The LZB 4 protocol allows for maximum speed, while LZB 3 limits speed to ensure safe stopping in case of obstacles. The AVE driver reported a partial transmission failure, which should have triggered LZB 3. However, the Atocha control center opted for LZB 4, leading to the train traveling at high speed before the crash. Experts confirm that the correct protocol was not followed, and Adif acknowledged the misapplication of the rules, as the incident is under judicial investigation.