Dozens killed after two high-speed trains collide in Spain

Main points

• Dozens of people have died after a crash between two high-speed trains ‌in Toledo in Spain
• A Renfe and an Iryo train crashed just after 9am (8am Irish time), causing ​two Iryo wagons ​to derail, a government spokesperson for the Castilla ‌La Mancha region said
• Rail operator Adif said a “rear-end collision” between the two trains had occurred between the towns of Mora and Orgaz, and involved a Renfe and an Iryo high-speed train travelling from Madrid to Seville

3 minutes ago

More than 500 passengers were travelling on both trains

Local media in Spain report that the both trains were carrying more than 500 passengers.

One of the trains, a Renfe AVE train, was reportedly carrying 397 passengers, while the Iryo train was understood to be carrying more than 140 passengers at the time of the crash.

6 minutes ago

Carriages overturned at scene of crash

The first pictures have arrived from the scene of the train crash.

They appear to show at least three carriages from one of the trains overturned after rolling down a bank, while other carriages appear to be slanted to one side.

8 minutes ago

Two train carriages rolled down embankment after crash, local media reports

Witnesses have told Spanish newspaper El Pais that there emergency medical teams have arrived at the scene.

Its report also says two train carriages have left the tracks and fallen down an embankment.

The accident ⁠happened shortly after 9am ​local time (8am Irish time) between the ​towns of Los Yebenes ​and Urda, in the province of Toledo, according to El Pais.

8 minutes ago

Spanish PM, opposition leader ‘shocked’ by train crash in Toledo

The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has responded to the crash on X:

“Shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo. I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, @oscar_puente_, and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha, @garciapage.

Emergency services are working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all the involved administrations. My affection, solidarity, and support to all the victims and their families.”