At Least 64 Dead in Spain High-Speed Train Collision

At least 64 people have died and around 80 were injured after two high-speed trains collided in central Spain on Wednesday morning. The accident happened near the town of Urda in Toledo province, on the Madrid–Seville high-speed line.

More than 500 passengers were on board the two trains, operated by AVE and Iryo. The collision occurred at kilometre 118 between Mora y Orgaz and Urda stations. Emergency services including the Civil Guard and military emergency unit are working at the scene, with more than 300 Civil Guard officers and 200 military personnel deployed.

Spain's transport ministry said the leading hypothesis is human error by a railway dispatcher. According to reports, a technician was repairing a signalling fault and allowed the AVE train to depart without warning that the Iryo train was still stopped on the same track. The AVE then struck the rear of the stationary train, crushing two carriages and throwing them down an embankment.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez travelled to the area. Hospitals in Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid freed up intensive care beds. A reception centre was set up in Urda for the lightly injured and families. Four family assistance offices opened in Madrid, Andalusia, Córdoba and Toledo. The Spanish football federation postponed all Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday as a mark of respect.

Train services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended. The cause is under investigation.