At least 68 killed after two high-speed trains collide in Spain
Main points Dozens of people have died after a crash between two high-speed trains in Toledo in Spain A Renfe and an Iryo train crashed just after 9am (8am Irish time), causing two Iryo wagons to derail, a government spokesperson for the Castilla La Mancha region said Rail operator Adif said a “rear-end collision” between the two trains had occurred between the towns of Mora and Orgaz, and involved a Renfe and an Iryo high-speed train travelling from Madrid to Seville Among those feared dead in the collision is former Partido Popular minister Fátima Báñez who was on her way to a business conference in Seville Spanish PM, opposition leader ‘shocked’ by train crash in Toledo Consternado ante el grave accidente de trenes en Toledo. Permanezco en constante contacto con el ministro de Transportes, @oscar_puente_ , y con el presidente de Castilla-La Mancha, @garciapage . Los servicios de emergencia están trabajando sobre el terreno para atender a las… — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) October 28, 2026 The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has responded to the crash on X: “Shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo. I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, @oscar_puente_, and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha, @garciapage. Emergency services are working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all the involved administrations. My affection, solidarity, and support to all the victims and their families.” Two train carriages rolled down embankment after crash Witnesses have told Spanish newspaper El Pais that the emergency medical teams have arrived at the scene. Its report also says two train carriages have left the tracks and fallen down an embankment. The accident happened shortly after 9am local time (8am Irish time) between the towns of Los Yebenes and Urda, in the province of Toledo, according to El Pais. Carriages overturned at scene of crash The first pictures have arrived from the scene of the train crash. They appear to show at least three carriages from one of the trains overturned after rolling down a bank, while other carriages appear to be slanted to one side. More than 500 passengers were travelling on both trains Local media in Spain report that the both trains were carrying more than 500 passengers. One of the trains, a Renfe AVE train, was reportedly carrying 397 passengers, while the Iryo train was understood to be carrying more than 140 passengers at the time of the crash. Latest grim chapter in Spanish train crashes The incident comes less than a year after a similar crash in Adamuz, the province of Córdoba, which killed 46 and injured 152 in January. A few days later, a driver was killed and 37 people injured when a train was derailed by the collapse of a retaining wall near Gelida in Catalonia. Following the Adamuz train crash, Spain’s largest train drivers’ union called for a three-day nationwide strike as it demanded more thorough safety checks and “the restoration of safety standards on the railway system.” Guy Hedgecoe, our contributor based in Madrid, reported at the time that the train network, in particular its high-speed lines, had suffered from lack of investment in maintenance. Official death toll climbs to 30 - but local media report as many as 46 may be dead A total of 30 deaths have been confirmed so far from the high-speed train crash near Toledo, Spain on Wednesday, the Castilla-La Mancha regional government said, as emergency crews carried out rescue and recovery operations at the scene. Local media in Spain are reporting that as many as 46 may be dead, based on estimates provided by local government, and dozens more injured. These figures have not yet been confirmed. The accident occurred on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line near Urda, where a Renfe AVE train and an Iryo train collided, prompting a major emergency response involving local, regional and national authorities. ‘We heard a massive roar,’ said passengers onboard Miguel, a passenger travelling with several colleagues in the rear car of one of the trains, described to COPE radio the moment of the accident. “We heard a massive roar, a truly enormous thud that went on for 10 seconds, as if the train were about to derail. Through the right-hand window, we could see a wrecked train – I imagine it must have been the other one.” His comments were relayed by Reuters. Another passenger on one of the trains reported that their Renfe AVE train came to a brief stop and was held up for a few minutes shortly before the crash, with the explanation given being “heavy traffic in the area.” After it moved off again, it collided at speed with the other train, causing a “violent impact” on the passengers. Talking to RTVE, Fernando Seco said passengers in his carriage – at the back of the train – were able to get out of the train and down the embankment, when they realised the scale of the disaster and damage to front carriages. He said there had been no sign that anything was wrong with the train beforehand. Army’s emergency task force to be deployed to scene The Spanish government is deploying the army’s emergency task force, a special unit, to the scene. Prime minister Pedro Sánchez and several ministers canceled their appointments for the day, as did the opposition leader. - Bloomberg Sports hall to be prepared to accommodate injured Esther Padilla, a spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region, told the state broadcaster TVE that the collision was between two high-speed trains carrying hundreds of passengers and heading in the same direction from the capital, Madrid, to Seville in the south-west. One ran into the rear of the other, which had stopped, knocking two of its carriages off the track, she said, adding that the cause of the crash was not yet known. Manuel Galán, the mayor of Urda near the city of Toledo, said he had been asked by emergency services to prepare a sports hall to accommodate the injured. - Guardian Spanish king expresses ‘deep regret’ over ‘horrific incident’ Spanish king Felipe said he wanted to “express my deep regret over this horrific incident”, acknowledging “a high number of fatalities and many injuries”. “My primary concern is to express my sorrow over this terrible tragedy and to convey our condolences, sadness, support, and affection to the families during such an incredibly difficult and painful time.” He also thanked emergency services responding to the incident for their help. - Guardian At least 39 people dead and 80 injured in train collision Emiliano García-Page, the president of Castilla-La Mancha region, confirmed the latest figure of 39 dead. He said authorities expect this number to rise further as emergency services are yet to reach the most affected parts of the wreckage. He also said some 80 people were injured, with 30 people with minor injuries and 50 with moderate and more serious injuries of varying severity. He thanked all emergency services for their help. - Guardian ‘We are expecting this to be a tragedy,’ says health minister Spanish health minister Monica Garcia told state broadcaster TVE that emergency workers were focusing on rescuing survivors and bodies from the two most damaged train cars. She said that the injured were being sent to different hospitals in the area. “It was a high-speed impact, so we are expecting this to be a tragedy,” Garcia said. Rail service suspended between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia. Reports Iryo train flagged failure in signalling system before crash El Mundo reports that the Iryo train flagged a failure in its LZB signalling system shortly before the crash, but the train behind did not receive the information. Investigators believe the AVE high-speed train travelling behind crashed into the stationary Iryo service, according to the newspaper. - Guardian 544 passengers on board both trains, including a baby The affected trains are understood to be Iryo 7076 with 146 passengers plus one baby on board and AVE 2080 with 397 passengers on board, making it 544 people in total on board of both trains. Early inquiries point to a possible signalling failure that contributed to the crash, Spanish media reported. ‘Urgent call’ for blood from Madrid’s Blood Transfusion Centre 🚨 Llamamiento urgente del Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad de Madrid. En especial de los grupos: 🅰️➕, 🅰️➖, 🅾️➕, 🅾️➖ y 🅱️➖ 👉 Acude a tu punto de donación más próximo. 📲 https://t.co/rBXsi73C9K https://t.co/ZoSPew65Ck — Comunidad de Madrid (@ComunidadMadrid) October 28, 2026 The Community of Madrid’s Blood Transfusion Centre has made an “urgent call” for blood donations after two high-speed trains collided. The centre, in particular, is looking for blood groups A+, A-, O+, O- and B- and call on people to visit their nearest donation point. Spanish royal family ‘moved and concerned’ after trains collide Estamos conmovidos y preocupados por el accidente ferroviario en Urda (Toledo). Acompañamos en su tristeza a las familias y seres queridos de los fallecidos y enviamos nuestro cariño a los heridos y personas afectadas. Nuestro apoyo también a los equipos de emergencia y a todos… — Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) October 28, 2026 In a post on X, the Spanish royal family said they are “moved and concerned by the train accident in Urda (Toledo)”. “We share in the sorrow of the families and loved ones of the deceased and send our affection to the injured and those affected. “Our support also goes to the emergency teams and all those working in the area to help as much as possible under these circumstances.” Copa del Rey fixtures postponed The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has postponed Wednesday’s 24 Copa del Rey first-round matches. The games have been postponed “as a show of respect and solidarity with all the victims”, the RFEF said, adding that new dates for the matches will be announced soon. - Reuters Phone line set up for victims and their families In a statement posted on X, railway company Renfe said: “We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the victims of the train accident in Urda (Toledo). “We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who have been injured. “At this time, our priority is to assess the extent of the damage and to remain permanently available to those affected, the authorities, and the emergency services.” Renfe has set up the phone line as part of the assistance plan for victims of railway accidents and their families. “Train traffic is interrupted between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalucía. Free changes and cancellations enabled for all affected trains.” EU ‘ready to support’ Spanish investigation into train crash The European Commission has offered to help with the investigation into Wednesday’s train crash in Urda. EU chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said: “Our thoughts and our feelings are with the victims, their families and friends, and all those affected, and the commission, together with the European Union Agency for Railways, is closely following the situation, and we stand ready to support the Spanish authorities in any way that may be needed.” But she noted it was “too early, absolutely too early, to draw any conclusions” as the emergency response continues. Death toll reaches 64 The Castilla La Mancha regional government said 64 people have died following the train collision. - Reuters This makes it a deadlier incident than this January’s Adamuz crash and the third worst train disaster in Spain since the seventies. The death toll is still likely to change. Photographs from the scene Two high-speed trains collided between the towns of Mora and Orgaz on the Madrid-Andalucía line on Wednesday morning in Spain. Prime minister expected to travel to crash site later today Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to travel to the scene of the crash later today, a government spokesperson told Spanish media. The government said the prime minister is travelling to Urda to “support the work of the emergency teams and convey his support to those affected and their families. “The priority is to attend to the victims and ensure the maximum coordination between administrations.” 64 dead and 58 injured following Spanish train crash Local authorities now report that 58 people have been injured and that of the 64 people who died, 40 were travelling on the Iryo train and 24 on the AVE high-speed train. Andalusia declares three days of mourning The Andalusian regional government has declared three days of mourning. “We are devastated,” its president, Juanma Moreno, said. “All of Andalusia stands with the victims of this latest train accident,” he added. Earlier on Wednesday, the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, also announced three days of mourning and suspended all official events. Taoiseach offers ‘full solidarity’ to Spanish government It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic train accident in Spain this morning. Ireland’s thoughts and prayers are with the Spanish people during this difficult time, particularly the victims and their families. pic.twitter.com/uqQxNH5YkV — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 28, 2026 In a post on X, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic train accident in Spain this morning. “Ireland’s thoughts and prayers are with the Spanish people during this difficult time, particularly the victims and their families.” Iryo says train struck from behind ‘for reasons still unknown’ Rail operator Iryo said its train was struck from behind “for reasons still unknown,” in a post on X. In a new statement, the company said its 6076 service left Madrid bound for Seville at 7.54am with 147 passengers, three crew members, a barista, and its driver on board. “At 8.48am, and for reasons still unknown, it was struck from behind by a Renfe Class 103 train near Urda (Toledo), at kilometre marker 118,” Iryo said. The operator said it was “collaborating closely” with Renfe, Spanish railway infrastructure manager Adif and “relevant authorities” to determine the cause of the crash. “At this time, Iryo’s absolute priority is the people affected, and the entire company team is dedicating all its efforts to managing the accident,” it said. It confirmed all its services from Madrid’s Atocha station headed for Spain’s high-speed southern rail corridor have been cancelled, with no estimated time for resumption. ACTUALIZACIÓN: pic.twitter.com/9QHmXwfzNW — iryo.eu (@iryo_eu) October 28, 2026 Department of Foreign Affairs ‘ready to provide consular assistance’ My thoughts are with the people of Spain following the tragic train accident in Toledo province today. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. My Department, including our Embassy in Madrid, stands ready to provide consular assistance should it be needed. — Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) October 28, 2026 Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said her thoughts are with the people of Spain following the tragic train accident in Toledo province. “Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. “My department, including our embassy in Madrid, stands ready to provide consular assistance should it be needed.” Spanish tennis player sends ‘very big hug’ to families who lost loved ones Estoy siguiendo con mucha preocupación y tristeza el trágico accidente de tren en Toledo. Quiero mandar un abrazo muy fuerte a todas las familias que han perdido a sus seres queridos. Es difícil encontrar palabras en momentos así. Todo mi cariño y mucha fuerza también a las… — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 28, 2026 Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal said: “I am following with great concern and sadness the tragic train accident in Toledo,” in a post on X. “I want to send a very big hug to all the families who have lost their loved ones. “It is hard to find words in moments like these. All my affection and much strength also to the injured people. “From the heart, I hope they recover soon,” the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion said. Spanish transport minister confirms controlling system failure Spanish transport minister Óscar Puente paid tribute to all affected by the crash. “We are absolutely devastated; as you can well imagine, this is one of the most difficult moments one could ever face,” he said. He says a rear-end collision is an unusual thing on the Spanish network, which is why his enquiries focused on understanding what happened. He has been able to see a full reconstruction of the incident and review audio recordings of all communications between the affected trains and the traffic control. He said that around 8:30am this morning, the LZB controlling system failed due to communications issues, leaving no coverage for just over 60km of the track, which in turn triggered an automatic stop for six trains on that stretch. But around 8:36am, the Adif control centre issued a manual instruction to override the warning and let the traffic resume. He heavily suggested that this decision should not have been made, as trains should have remained under strict orders not to move. During the next 25 minutes, the second AVE train travelled 25 kilometers and eventually collided with a stationary Iryo train. “This is the account of events that I can provide,” he said. - Guardian Spanish transport minister hints at technical and human errors Spanish transport minister Óscar Puente says that while a signalling failure “can happen”, there are strict standard procedures for how to proceed in such cases, as he once again heavily hinted at a combination of technical and human errors. He said the order to restart traffic should not have been issued, and that even if it was taken, the train in question should have been instructed to restart “on sight” – meaning the driver should only move very slowly, under strict restrictions, at maximum 40km/h, and not at normal speed. He said the person responsible for the decision is now under investigation. He did not answer a question if he intends to resign. Puente suggested there was more than one incorrect order; a similar instruction to resume was also ordered to at least one other train, with the train driver going back to the traffic control to push back on the order. - Guardian At least 68 deaths confirmed by the Castilla – La Mancha president The Castilla – La Mancha president Emiliano García-Page said the latest data suggest at least 68 fatalities. There are also some 15 people with severe or critical injuries and 53 people who required hospitalisation for moderate injuries. He also spoke of his “deep, profound” sorrow over today’s incident. Spanish beginning to question high-speed rail network The Spanish high-speed rail network was until this year the envy of Europe. While countries, most notably the UK and US, struggle with developing high speed rail, Spain has almost 4,000 kilometres of track. It takes just two and a half hours to travel the 621 kilometres from Madrid to Barcelona. Spain has the largest high-speed train network in the world with the exception of China. Yet, two serious crashes with multiple fatalities in the same year has led to many Spaniards questioning the safety of what was once a major source of pride in the country. In January a high-speed train derailed at Adamuz killing 46 people. Now, an even worse disaster has befallen the network with the death of at least 68 people following a crash between two trains on the Madrid to Seville line. The accident points to a very serious signal failure on the route which will be investigated. La Comunidad de Madrid decreta tres días de luto oficial por las víctimas del accidente ferroviario de Urda. Todo nuestro cariño y apoyo a sus familias. — Isabel Díaz Ayuso (@IdiazAyuso) October 28, 2026 Spanish transport minister to investigate ‘inexplicable’ train order Spain’s transport minister Oscar Puente said that the accident was caused by what he called an “inexplicable” order from a central command centre for Spain’s trains after a security system had failed. He said the train engineers were not to blame. Puente said that at 8.30am the security system on a stretch of 59km stopped working due to a computer malfunction, causing all trains on that stretch to stop. But the central command told the RENFE train to start running again without any speed restrictions, and it ended up colliding with the stopped IRYO train at 8.53am. Former Spanish government minister feared dead in train collision Spain’s main opposition leader Alberto Feijóo has called for an immediate government investigation and a judicial inquiry into the cause of the train collision which killed 68 people. Feijóo, who heads up the Partido Popular (PP), said two major incidents in the same year called into question the whole safety of the Spanish train network. “Spain has the right to know what is happening with its infrastructure. What condition are the tracks in? What measures were adopted after the Adamuz accident, and which ones have actually been implemented?,” he stated. Among those feared dead in the collision is former PP minister Fátima Báñez who was on her way to a business conference in Seville. Báñez was Minister for Labour in the government of José María Aznar and left full-time politics in 2019. What now for what used to be a symbol of Spanish pride? Spanish pride in its rail network has turned to horror after the second major fatal incident on the network this year. The Guardian’s Madrid correspondent Ashifa Kassam points out that the crash happened a day before a 24 hour work stoppage by Spain’s largest train drivers’ union over safety concerns. You can read his analysis here. Heart breaking news of train crash in Spain. May the Sacred Heart grant comfort and strength to the bereaved, healing for the injured, consolation to all those affected, including families and first responders. Please extend condolences to our Spanish neighbours and friends here… pic.twitter.com/gfMGxia55J — Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) October 28, 2026 Spanish train drivers to proceed with strike The Spanish Union of Railway Drivers (Semaf) is going ahead with a strike it had scheduled for Thursday, according to a post on the group’s Telegram account. The union says the strike - which it called before the Urda crash - will be held “in defence of railway safety”. In the same post, the Union writes that it is “deeply shaken” by the incident this morning and extends condolences to the victims. 77 people in hospital after train crash Emergency services say 77 people are in hospital, while Spain’s Minister of health Mónica García says 15 are “seriously injured”. In a post on X, she says “all hospitals have activated their contingency plans, reinforcing emergency services and operating rooms and reorganising care activities”.