A high-speed train slammed into the rear of another stopped train Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo, derailing two cars and killing at least 30 people, authorities said. The crash occurred on a flat stretch surrounded by olive fields between the towns of Urda and Los Yébenes, leaving one car shredded and scattering debris down a gravel slope.
Regional president Emiliano García-Page said at least 80 people were injured and warned the death toll "will surely rise" as rescue workers continue searching the wreckage. Health Minister Mónica García said emergency crews were focused on the two most damaged cars, noting, "It was a high-speed impact, so we are expecting this to be a tragedy."
The collision involved a state-owned RENFE train carrying 397 passengers and a private IRYO train with 147 passengers, both heading from Madrid to Seville. García-Page said 24 victims were on the RENFE train and six on the IRYO train. Rail operator ADIF suspended service between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez canceled his agenda to focus on the response, writing on X that he was "dismayed by the serious train accident in Toledo." King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia said they were "deeply saddened and concerned" and shared in the grief of victims' families. A military emergency brigade joined firefighters, police and ambulances at the scene, while uninjured survivors were taken away by bus.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. IRYO, an Italian-owned company, said it has activated security protocols and is working with authorities. Trains from the same two companies were involved in a deadly crash in January. The mayor of Urda said civil protection authorities asked the town to prepare a sports pavilion for injured passengers.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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