A deadly collision between two high-speed trains in Spain has left at least 68 people dead, with rescue teams still searching the wreckage for more victims. The accident happened on Wednesday south of Madrid and ranks as Europe’s worst rail disaster since 2013. It is also Spain’s second major train tragedy this year.
The crash took place on the Madrid to Andalusia high-speed line near the towns of Urda and Los Yebenes in Toledo province. A Renfe AVE train and an Iryo train slammed into each other just after 9 am local time. Officials say the Renfe train was given permission to move forward even though a red signal was active because another train stood stationary on the tracks ahead. Transport Minister Oscar Puente explained that a computer communications failure had automatically stopped traffic, yet an incorrect decision was made to restart the Renfe train, breaking normal safety rules.
Emergency crews, including ambulances, helicopters and funeral vans, rushed to the elevated section of track. Twisted metal and broken panels littered the embankment where at least three carriages had plunged down. Regional television footage showed one derailed train still partly on the elevated line while debris spread below. One passenger named Miguel told radio that he heard a massive roar lasting about ten seconds and then saw the wrecked train through the window.
Castilla-La Mancha spokesperson Esther Padilla warned that the death toll is likely to climb further. The Iryo train carried 147 passengers while the Renfe train had 397 on board. This latest tragedy comes only nine months after another crash on the same line killed 46 people in January near Adamuz.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cleared his entire schedule for the day and expressed shock and solidarity with the victims and their families. The opposition People’s Party also cancelled all campaign events ahead of the November 29 election. Local mayor Manuel Galan said emergency teams asked the town to prepare a sports hall for survivors and the injured.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also shared his deep sorrow. He offered condolences to the Spanish people and the bereaved families, saying Pakistan stands with Spain in this difficult time and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
Rescue operations remain in full swing as authorities continue to examine the cause and recover those still missing.
