At least 64 people have been killed after two high-speed passenger trains collided in central Spain on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, according to regional authorities.
The crash occurred near Urda in Toledo province, along the railway corridor connecting Madrid with Seville.
Authorities in the Castilla-La Mancha region reported that approximately 80 people were injured, including 50 who sustained serious injuries.
Emergency teams were deployed to the scene as rescue workers searched damaged carriages for survivors.
The collision has forced the suspension of high-speed rail services between Madrid and southern Spain, disrupting travel across one of the country’s busiest railway routes.
How Did the Spain Train Crash Happen?
The accident occurred at approximately 8:54 a.m. local time near Urda station in Toledo province.
It involved a high-speed AVE train operated by Spain’s state-owned railway company, Renfe, and another train operated by private company Iryo.
Both trains were travelling along the Madrid-Seville railway corridor.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the Renfe train collided with the rear of the Iryo service, which was reportedly stationary on the tracks.
The impact caused several carriages to derail, with some falling down an embankment.
However, investigators have not established the final cause of the collision.
How Many People Were Killed or Injured?
Regional authorities have reported at least 64 fatalities.
Approximately 80 other people were injured, with 50 reportedly in serious condition.
The two trains were carrying a combined total of about 544 passengers when the accident occurred.
Officials have warned that the death toll could increase as emergency workers continue searching the wreckage.
Earlier reports placed the number of fatalities at 30 before regional authorities issued updated figures.
Emergency Teams Launch Major Rescue Operation
Emergency services launched a large-scale rescue operation following the collision.
Firefighters, police officers, medical personnel and Civil Guard teams were deployed to the crash site.
Helicopters and ambulances were also mobilised to transport injured passengers to hospitals.
Rescue workers faced difficult conditions while accessing damaged carriages and assisting trapped passengers.
Authorities established emergency reception arrangements for survivors and relatives seeking information.
Regional officials also appealed for blood donations to support the medical response.
What Caused the High-Speed Train Collision?
The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Preliminary reports have raised questions about railway signalling and traffic management.
Spanish media, citing government and investigative sources, reported that the Iryo train may have remained stationary following a traffic disruption before the Renfe service approached.
Investigators are examining whether signalling problems or human error contributed to the collision.
However, these possibilities remain preliminary and should not be treated as confirmed findings.
Authorities are expected to examine operational records, signalling systems and the circumstances leading to the crash.
Spain Suspends Madrid-Andalusia Rail Services
Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, Adif, suspended high-speed services along the Madrid-Andalusia corridor following the accident.
The disruption affected journeys connecting Madrid with destinations including Seville, Córdoba and Málaga.
Rail operators advised passengers to check travel arrangements and follow official updates.
The suspension is expected to remain in place while authorities conduct rescue operations and assess damage to the railway infrastructure.
Spanish Prime Minister Reacts to Train Disaster
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed shock over the collision and offered condolences to the victims and their families.
He said emergency services were working with the relevant authorities to assist those affected.
Spain’s royal household also expressed concern and solidarity with the victims.
European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, conveyed condolences following the tragedy.
Second Major Spain Train Disaster in 2026
The collision comes nine months after another deadly railway accident near Adamuz in Córdoba province.
That January incident killed 46 people and raised concerns about safety and maintenance across Spain’s railway network.
Both accidents occurred along the major railway corridor connecting Madrid with southern Spain.
The latest tragedy is expected to renew scrutiny of railway safety, signalling systems and operational oversight.
What Happens Next?
Spanish authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations while investigators work to determine the cause of the collision.
Officials are also expected to establish the identities of victims and provide further updates on those receiving hospital treatment.
The investigation will examine whether technical failures, operational decisions or other factors contributed to the disaster.
For now, authorities remain focused on assisting survivors, supporting bereaved families and restoring rail services when it is safe to do so.
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