MADRID — 2004 · Major Tragedy
The Madrid Train Bombings (11-M)
On the morning of 11 March 2004, ten bombs exploded on four Madrid commuter trains at and around Atocha station, killing 191 people and injuring more than 1,800. The attacks came three days before a general election. The government's initial blaming of ETA provoked a backlash; the investigation uncovered a Spain-based group inspired by al-Qaeda. In April 2004 seven suspects blew themselves up when surrounded in a flat in Leganés. In October 2007, 21 defendants were convicted and seven acquitted. It remains one of Western Europe's deadliest terrorist attacks.
- Date
- 2004
- Place
- Community of Madrid, Spain, Madrid, ES
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- 40.4070, -3.6900 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 11 March 2004Ten bombs exploded on four trains.
- 14 March 2004The general election was held.
- 3 April 2004Suspects blew themselves up in Leganés.
- 31 October 200721 convicted, 7 acquitted.
Sources
- CNN — Spain Train Bombings Fast Facts cnn.com ↗
- NPR — 21 convicted, 7 acquitted in Madrid train bombings npr.org ↗
- CNN
- NPR
Source grade B: at least one verifiable linked source. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.