On March 11 , 2004 , attacks on four trains in Madrid left hundreds dead and wounded . The attacks took place near the home of Madrid 's Al Goodman , who recalls the incident . Father of Vera de Benito , aged 18 at the time , had boarded one of the ill - prepared trains . `` I have to look happily toward the future , because if not , I 'd go crazy . '' This year the main victim groups are expected to unite at a mass for the first time in years .
On March 11 , 2004 , attacks on four trains in Madrid left hundreds dead and wounded . The attacks took place near the home of Madrid 's Al Goodman , who recalls the incident . Father of Vera de Benito , aged 18 at the time , had boarded one of the ill - prepared trains . This year the main victim groups are expected to unite at a mass for the first time in years .