URDA: At least 68 people died when two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday, regional president Emiliano García-Page said, as rescuers searched the wreckage.
A Renfe AVE train struck an Iryo service south of Madrid on the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line. Several carriages derailed, with wreckage falling down an embankment.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the Renfe train had been authorised to resume its journey despite a red signal and another train remaining stationary ahead.
According to Puente, a computer communications failure triggered an automatic traffic halt. He described the subsequent decision to restart the Renfe service as erroneous and contrary to protocol. However, investigators are still examining the precise sequence.
Renfe maintained that its train proceeded after receiving authorisation. It said investigators would need to establish the traffic conditions and circumstances of the collision.
Castilla-La Mancha regional spokesperson Esther Padilla reported that 397 passengers were travelling on the Renfe train and 147 on the Iryo service. She warned that the casualty toll could increase.
Emergency crews worked around severely damaged carriages while ambulances, helicopters and other response vehicles gathered beside the elevated railway.
Footage broadcast by Castilla-La Mancha Television showed broken panels and twisted metal scattered below the track.
“We heard a massive roar,” passenger Miguel told COPE radio. Travelling with colleagues near the rear of one train, he described a prolonged impact and seeing wreckage through a window.
Regional authorities activated their emergency plan and requested assistance from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit. Urda facilities were prepared to accommodate affected passengers.
Meanwhile, infrastructure manager Adif suspended traffic on the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line. Both operators activated emergency arrangements, while Renfe opened a crisis centre and assistance services for victims’ families.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cancelled his planned engagements and expressed solidarity with the victims. The opposition People’s Party also suspended campaign events before the November 29 snap election.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to Sánchez, the Spanish people and bereaved families. He expressed hope for the injured passengers’ recovery and conveyed Pakistan’s support.
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The collision follows January’s high-speed rail disaster near Adamuz in Córdoba province, involving the same operators. That accident killed 46 people and prompted scrutiny of railway maintenance.
Authorities established family assistance points at major stations and in Urda. Castilla-La Mancha’s information line is 900 122 112, while Renfe’s assistance number is 900 10 10 20.
(With additional input from Reuters and Europa Press)
