Swimmers pay tribute to train crash victims

The organisers of the World Swimming Championships being held here have paid rich tributes to the families of the victims of the train crash in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwestern region of Galicia, that claimed 80 lives and injured 140.

Swimmers observed a minute's silence before each competition Thursday, including water polo, diving, open waters and synchronised swimming to show their support for the families' and victims of the accident, reports Xinhua.

It was the worst train crash in 40 years in Spain. The accident happened Wednesday evening when travelling from Madrid to Ferrol. It derailed on a bend after coming out of a tunnel.

There were a total of 218 passengers plus crew inside the train, which was full because people were going to Santiago de Compostela on the eve of a festival dedicated to St. James, one of Jesus's 12 disciples. St.James' remains are said to rest in Santiago's centuries-old cathedral.