MADRID: The death toll from a collision involving two high-speed trains in Spain has climbed to 68, with emergency teams continuing to search the wreckage for victims. The accident, near Urda in the Toledo region, is among the deadliest rail disasters in Europe in recent years.
Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the crash occurred after a Renfe train was allowed to proceed despite an active red signal, reportedly following a communications failure involving the signalling system. He said the decision to resume the train’s journey violated established safety protocols.
The collision took place on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed railway line, involving a Renfe AVE service and an Iryo train. The impact derailed several carriages, with at least three plunging down an embankment from an elevated section of track.
Emergency services deployed ambulances, helicopters and other rescue equipment to the scene. Wreckage, including twisted metal and broken carriage panels, was scattered across the area as rescuers searched for additional victims.
A passenger travelling in the rear carriage of one of the trains told Cope Radio that a deafening noise and a prolonged impact preceded the collision. He said he saw a badly damaged train through a window immediately afterwards.
Casualties feared to rise further
Castilla-La Mancha regional spokesperson Esther Padilla warned that the number of fatalities could increase as rescue operations continued.
According to officials, 147 people were aboard the Iryo train, while 397 passengers were travelling on the Renfe service.
The crash has renewed concerns about railway safety and infrastructure maintenance in Spain. Another collision involving trains operated by the same companies on the same line reportedly killed 46 people in January, prompting debate over investment in rail maintenance.
The latest disaster has also disrupted political activities. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cleared his official schedule, while the opposition People’s Party cancelled campaign events ahead of the November 29 snap election.
Sanchez expressed solidarity with the victims and their families in a message posted on X, saying he was deeply affected by the accident in Toledo.
Meanwhile, Urda Mayor Manuel Galan told Cadena SER that emergency services had asked the local council to prepare temporary facilities, including a sports hall, to accommodate passengers and injured people.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief over the tragedy, extending condolences to his Spanish counterpart, the Spanish people and the bereaved families.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Pakistan stands with Spain in its hour of sorrow,” he said.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, while rescue workers search the wreckage and assist those affected.
Clarify the collision sequenceTighten the rescue detailsStrengthen the casualty update
