Cal Poly student facing multiple surgeries after Spain train crash

Austin Hartman, a junior business administration major at California Polytechnic State University, is expected to remain in Spain for at least two months. The 20-year-old student is undergoing a lengthy recovery process following a high-speed train collision that occurred last week in Udra.

Hartman is one of two Cal Poly students currently receiving medical attention after the crash. He sustained severe traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures to his pelvis, hip, femur, humerus, ribs, and lumbar vertebrae. His body also suffered extensive lacerations to the face and torso.

According to a GoFundMe page, the severity of his condition required mechanical ventilation for the first 24 hours following the accident. Complications in his circulation and respiratory function necessitated this intensive care. Hartman will need multiple surgeries to address the damage to his skeletal structure.

He was traveling with Leah Silver-Fajardo, a third-year neuropsychology student, when the high-speed train struck a static locomotive. Silver-Fajardo also sustained serious injuries, including fractures to her knee, pelvis, and ribs. She suffered lung bruising, cuts, and burns.

The collision killed 69 people and injured 80 others, knocking two rail cars off the track. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the whole of Spain is grieving the loss of victims. He noted that lives have been shattered and families have been torn apart by the tragedy.

Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier confirmed the university is coordinating with the U.S. Embassy and study abroad partners in Spain. Lazier said that the university is contacting the students' families to provide support. He added that Cal Poly is reaching out to other students studying in Spain and across Europe.

Both families are currently fundraising to cover medical expenses. Investigators have determined that a computer failure and apparent human error contributed to the cause of the crash.