Spain: at least 68 killed in collision of two high-speed trains near Toledo

The deadliest rail disaster near Toledo

On October 28 in central Spain, near Toledo, two high-speed trains collided: one crashed into another that had stopped on the track. According to Euronews, at least 68 people were killed, more than 100 were injured, and 15 of the victims remain in critical condition. The outlet calls it the second fatal rail accident in Spain this year and one of the deadliest rail disasters in Europe this century.

Overnight rescue operation

After nightfall, rescue teams continued working among the mangled carriages near Urda: heavy cranes lifted pieces of the train off the tracks, while emergency workers inspected the damaged carriages under artificial lighting. Footage released shows a crane lifting what appears to be part of the train's wheel assembly.

Mourning and protest in Madrid

In Madrid, dozens of people gathered outside the city hall at Cibeles Square for a minute of silence in memory of the victims. The event was organized by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces; it was attended by opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, head of the Madrid regional government Isabel Díaz Ayuso, mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and government delegate Pilar Trinidad. However, the gathering turned into a protest against the government: some participants held placards reading