At least 68 people have died and more than 500 others have been injured after two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday, triggering a major emergency response and disrupting rail services between Madrid and southern Spain.
The collision occurred at about 8:54 a.m. on the Madrid-Seville line, involving a train operated by Spain’s national rail company, Renfe, and another operated by private company Iryo. Initial reports indicated that the Renfe train struck the rear of the Iryo train, which was stationary on the tracks.
The impact derailed several carriages, with some plunging down an embankment. Emergency workers deployed to the scene to search the wreckage, rescue survivors and evacuate the injured.
The casualty figures remain provisional as rescue operations continue, with officials warning that the toll could rise.
The cause of the collision has not been conclusively established. Preliminary reports have raised the possibility of a failure in rail traffic management following a technical problem with the signaling system, but investigators are still examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Spain’s rail infrastructure authority, Adif, confirmed the collision and announced the suspension of high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia. Renfe also suspended services connecting Madrid, Ciudad Real and the southern region.
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The trains were carrying more than 500 passengers combined. Reports put the number aboard the Renfe train at 397, while the Iryo service carried about 147 passengers.
The disaster has renewed concerns about rail safety in Spain, coming months after a January collision near Adamuz in Córdoba province killed 46 people.
The earlier accident prompted questions about railway infrastructure and safety procedures, and Wednesday’s crash has intensified scrutiny of the country’s high-speed rail network.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed shock over the accident and said emergency services were working to assist victims and their families. He cancelled his scheduled engagements following the crash.
Conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also expressed concern and called for priority to be given to victims and their families. His Popular Party cancelled campaign events across the country.
The investigation into Wednesday’s collision is ongoing, while emergency teams continue their work at the scene.
The New York Times
