The key facts

  • On October 28, near Urda station (province of Toledo), a Renfe AVE train rammed the rear of a stationary Iryo train; two carriages derailed and fell off an embankment
  • Regional authorities initially reported 10 dead, then confirmed at least 30; the final death toll has not yet been announced
  • Traffic on the Madrid — Andalusia high-speed line has been suspended; Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cancelled meetings, and parties cancelled campaign events

Collision near Urda station

On Wednesday morning, October 28, two high-speed trains collided in central Spain. According to preliminary data from the transport ministry, cited by Anadolu, a Renfe AVE train rammed the rear of a stationary Iryo train; according to emergency services, two carriages derailed and fell off an embankment. The accident occurred near Urda station in the province of Toledo at around 8:54 a.m. local time, El Pais reported, citing government sources. Infrastructure operator Adif confirmed that both trains were operating the Madrid — Seville route and announced the suspension of traffic on the Madrid — Andalusia high-speed line.

Death toll: from 10 to at least 30

Casualty figures changed over the course of the morning. The authorities of Castile-La Mancha initially reported at least 10 dead, noting that the number could rise; later, according to Deutsche Welle, they confirmed at least 30 deaths. A spokesperson for the regional government told local media: 'The information we are receiving is not good at all.' Health Minister Monica Garcia called the incident 'an accident with severe consequences, it will be a major tragedy,' stressing that it was too early to confirm the final death toll, and noted the need for nearby hospitals with intensive care units. According to her, one train (AVE) was carrying about 397 passengers, the other (IRYO) 146 people. The exact number of injured had not been confirmed at the time of publication, and the cause of the collision is being investigated.

Government response and rescue operation

Fire crews, medical helicopters and mobile resuscitation teams have been dispatched to the scene; an emergency services spokesperson told AFP that 'several fire brigades, three helicopters and two mobile resuscitation units' were involved. The regional authorities of Castile-La Mancha activated an emergency response plan. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote that he was 'shocked' by the 'serious' accident and cancelled scheduled meetings to monitor the situation; regional head Emiliano Garcia-Page headed to the scene, while political parties cancelled campaign events planned for Wednesday.

Second major disaster in a year

The collision occurred less than a year after the previous major rail disaster: in January, near Adamuz in Andalusia, a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train; according to Deutsche Welle, 46 people were killed and more than 150 injured — the deadliest rail accident in Spain since the 2013 disaster that claimed 80 lives. Government sources told El Pais that the current accident could turn out to be 'worse than Adamuz,' Anadolu notes. A witness named Miguel told radio station COPE that he heard 'a huge crash lasting 10 seconds' and then saw the wrecked train through a window.