A devastating railway accident in Spain has claimed at least 39 lives after two high-speed passenger trains collided in the province of Toledo. The crash triggered a major emergency response, with several passengers injured and rail services between Madrid and southern Andalusia suspended.
Two High-Speed Trains Collide Near Urda
The accident occurred on Wednesday morning near Urda, between the towns of Los Yébenes and Urda in central Spain. The trains involved were operated by Spain’s state-owned Renfe and private rail company Iryo.
Initial information indicates that the collision involved a rear-end impact. At least two carriages derailed, with reports indicating that some coaches fell down an embankment. Emergency services rushed to the accident site to rescue passengers and assist the injured.
Death Toll Reaches 39, Injuries Under Assessment
At least 39 deaths have been reported in updates published by Spanish media and The Independent. However, the full extent of the casualties remains unclear, and a definitive figure for the injured has not been established in the available updates.
Emergency teams, including firefighters, medical personnel and civil protection units, were deployed to the scene. Nearby towns were also preparing facilities to accommodate affected passengers and provide assistance.
Hospitals in the surrounding region were placed on alert to receive injured passengers. Authorities continued coordinating rescue and emergency response operations as details of the accident emerged.
Rail Services Suspended, Investigation Underway
Spain’s railway infrastructure operator, Adif, announced the suspension of high-speed rail traffic on the Madrid-Andalusia corridor following the collision. The disruption affected services connecting Madrid with destinations in southern Spain, including Seville.
Renfe also made provisions for affected passengers to change or cancel their tickets without charge.
The precise circumstances that led to the collision remain under investigation. Authorities are expected to establish how the two trains came into contact and determine whether operational or technical factors contributed to the accident.
Further details regarding the casualties and the cause of the crash are awaited.