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Two trains collided in Spain just south of the capital Madrid on Wednesday morning, leaving at least 68 people dead in a major disaster. Rail operator Adif reported that the incident involved a state-owned Renfe train and a private Iryo company train operating on the Madrid to Seville route.
Collision Details
The collision occurred just after 09:00 local time between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz, approximately 140 kilometers south of Madrid. The accident happened when a high-speed train traveling from Madrid toward the south of the country struck a stationary train on the tracks, causing at least two carriages to plunge down an embankment. Broadcaster RTVE, citing the transport ministry, stated that a Renfe train rear-ended an Iryo train. Following the incident, Adif suspended all train traffic on the affected line, and Renfe announced that services between Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Andalusia remain on hold. A passenger aboard one of the trains told local media that a heavy impact occurred about 40 minutes into the journey.
Cause of the Crash
Iryo stated that its train was struck from behind by a Renfe train due to unknown causes. However, Transport Minister Oscar Puente explained that a computer failure initially halted six moving trains, including the two involved in the subsequent collision. He noted that the control centre took over during the system failure and decided to allow the trains to move again without any speed restrictions. Puente described that decision as having been made under inexplicable circumstances, leading to the Renfe train crashing into the stationary Iryo train ahead.
Passenger Numbers and Casualties
More than 500 people were believed to be on board both trains. Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the government of the Castilla-La Mancha region, told TVE that the Iryo train carried 146 passengers and one baby, while the Renfe train carried 397 passengers. Fátima Báñez, who heads a foundation for the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations, was reported missing after being on board one of the trains. While initial figures cited at least 68 deaths, the Castilla-La Mancha regional government later confirmed 64 deaths, though authorities warned the death toll could still increase. Furthermore, 80 people are receiving treatment for injuries, with 50 in serious condition and 15 more in critical condition.
Official Responses
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the whole of Spain is grieving and that lives have been shattered during a visit to the crash site. He promised that the government would determine the origin of the tragedy, uncover any negligence, and address security system failures with the utmost firmness. Sánchez and other Spanish politicians canceled all public engagements for Wednesday, including upcoming election campaigning. Meanwhile, Spain’s royal family expressed shock and concern on X, offering condolences to the affected families, and a European Union spokesperson stated the bloc is ready to assist Spain if necessary.
Emergency Operations
A massive emergency response involving fire crews and helicopters is currently underway at the scene. Spanish media reported that regional hospitals have suspended planned surgeries to handle the influx of crash victims, while a blood transfusion centre in Madrid issued an urgent appeal for donations due to rising care needs. Facilities in Toledo, Ciudad Real, and Alcázar de San Juan also halted regular procedures as casualties arrived. This incident marks the second high-speed rail tragedy in Spain this year, following a January derailment in southern Spain that claimed 46 lives.
