A high-speed train crashed into the rear of a stationary train in central Spain early on Wednesday, October 28, derailing two carriages and killing at least 30 people, the regional government said. The collision happened near the town of Urda in Toledo province, south of Madrid, on the high-speed line linking the capital with Seville.
According to sources, Esther Padilla, a spokeswoman for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, said both trains were travelling in the same direction. A Renfe AVE service from Madrid to Seville was carrying 397 passengers, while the private operator Iryo's train had 147 on board. Two Iryo carriages reportedly tumbled down an embankment.
Firefighters from nearby towns, three medical helicopters and mobile intensive care units joined the rescue, and Madrid sent extra medical teams. Urda's mayor said a sports hall was being prepared for those affected. Rail infrastructure operator ADIF suspended high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia, and a specialist Civil Guard team was sent to investigate.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was shocked by the accident and expressed solidarity with victims and their families. The crash comes nine months after a derailment near Adamuz in southern Spain killed 45 people.