Spain High-Speed Train Collision Kills 64, Injures 80
Rail services suspended between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia as emergency teams launch rescue operation; European leaders express condolences
MADRID: At least 64 people were killed and 80 others injured when two high-speed trains collided in Spain’s central province of Toledo, south of Madrid, on Wednesday, in one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters, according to the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha.
The accident occurred at 8:54 am local time near Urda, on the Madrid-Seville railway line. The collision involved high-speed trains operated by Spanish rail companies Renfe and Iryo. Authorities had not immediately determined the cause of the crash.
According to Renfe, the collision near Urda station caused the two rear carriages of the Iryo train to derail. Emergency services were rushed to the scene to assist injured passengers and coordinate rescue operations.
Footage released by local media showed the wreckage of both trains scattered across the tracks and a nearby embankment, while emergency crews worked to assess the damage and help survivors. Passengers were also seen leaving the accident site carrying their luggage.
Spain‘s Civil Guard deployed additional personnel and specialised units, including traffic police, aerial surveillance teams, drone operators and forensic investigators trained to handle major disasters.
Emergency officials were coordinating with civil protection teams across the Castilla-La Mancha region as rescue and response operations continued.
The collision forced the suspension of high-speed rail services in both directions between Madrid and Andalusia, with disruptions also reported on routes linking Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia, according to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator, Adif.
Spanish, European leaders express shock
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked by the accident and remained in contact with the transport minister and the president of the Castilla-La Mancha regional government to monitor developments.
Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García described the incident as a “high-impact accident” and warned that it could develop into a major tragedy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the victims, saying Europe mourned following the devastating news. French President Emmanuel Macron also conveyed France’s solidarity with Spain.
The disaster has renewed concerns about railway safety in Spain, coming after another deadly collision involving two high-speed trains near Adamuz, in southern Spain, in January, which claimed 46 lives.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s collision to determine what caused the trains to crash and whether any safety failures contributed to the disaster.