Spain train crash live story writer article

4 hours ago

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

Consternado ante el grave accidente de trenes en Toledo. Permanezco en constante contacto con el ministro de Transportes, @oscar_puente_, y con el presidente de Castilla-La Mancha, @garciapage.

Los servicios de emergencia están trabajando sobre el terreno para atender a las…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) October 28, 2026

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.”

4 hours ago

Two train carriages rolled down embankment after crash

Witnesses have told Spanish newspaper El Pais that the 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.

4 hours 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.

4 hours 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.

4 hours ago

Latest grim chapter in Spanish train crashes

The incident comes less than a year after a similar crash in Adamuz, the province of Córdoba, which killed 46 and injured 152 in January.

A few days later, a driver was killed and 37 people injured when a train was derailed by the collapse of a retaining wall near Gelida in Catalonia.

Following the Adamuz train crash, Spain’s largest train drivers’ union called for a three-day nationwide strike as it demanded more thorough safety checks and “the restoration of safety standards on the railway system.”

Guy Hedgecoe, our contributor based in Madrid, reported at the time that the train network, in particular its high-speed lines, had suffered from lack of investment in maintenance.

4 hours ago

Official death toll climbs to 30 - but local media report as many as 46 may be dead

A total of 30 ‌deaths have been confirmed so ​far from the high-speed train crash ​near Toledo, Spain on Wednesday, ⁠the Castilla-La Mancha ‌regional government ‌said, ​as emergency crews carried ⁠out ​rescue and recovery ​operations at ‌the scene.

Local media in Spain are reporting that as many as 46 may be dead, based on estimates provided by local government, and dozens more injured. These figures have not yet been confirmed.

The accident ​occurred on the ⁠Madrid-Andalusia ⁠high-speed rail line ​near Urda, where a Renfe AVE train and an Iryo ‌train collided, prompting ⁠a major emergency response involving ‌local, regional and national authorities.

3 hours ago

‘We heard a massive roar,’ said passengers onboard

Miguel, ‌a passenger travelling with several colleagues in the rear car of one of the trains, described to COPE radio the moment of the accident.

“We heard a massive roar, a truly enormous thud that went on for 10 seconds, as if the train were ‌about to derail. Through the right-hand window, we could see a wrecked train – I imagine it must have been ​the other one.”

His comments were relayed by Reuters.

Another passenger on one of the trains reported that their Renfe AVE train came to a brief stop and was held up for a few minutes shortly before the crash, with the explanation given being “heavy traffic in the area.”

After it moved off again, it collided at speed with the other train, causing a “violent impact” on the passengers.

Talking to RTVE, Fernando Seco said passengers in his carriage – at the back of the train – were able to get out of the train and down the embankment, when they realised the scale of the disaster and damage to front carriages. He said there had been no sign that anything was wrong with the train beforehand.

3 hours ago

Army’s emergency task force to be deployed to scene

The Spanish government is deploying the army’s emergency task force, a special unit, to the scene.

Prime minister Pedro Sánchez and several ministers canceled their appointments for the day, as did the opposition leader. - Bloomberg

3 hours ago

Sports hall to be prepared to accommodate injured

Esther Padilla, a spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region, told the state broadcaster TVE that the collision was between two high-speed trains carrying hundreds of passengers and heading in the same direction from the capital, Madrid, to Seville in the south-west.

One ran into the rear of the other, which had stopped, knocking two of its carriages off the track, she said, adding that the cause of the crash was not yet known.

Manuel Galán, the mayor ​of ​Urda near the city of Toledo, said he had ​been ‌asked by ​emergency ​services to prepare a sports hall to accommodate the injured. - Guardian

3 hours ago

Spanish king expresses ‘deep regret’ over ‘horrific incident’

Spanish king Felipe said he wanted to “express my deep regret over this horrific incident”, acknowledging “a high number of fatalities and many injuries”.

“My primary concern is to express my sorrow over this terrible tragedy and to convey our condolences, sadness, support, and affection to the families during such an incredibly difficult and painful time.”

He also thanked emergency services responding to the incident for their help. - Guardian

3 hours ago

At least 39 people dead and 80 injured in train collision

Emiliano García-Page, the president of Castilla-La Mancha region, confirmed the latest figure of 39 dead.

He said authorities expect this number to rise further as emergency services are yet to reach the most affected parts of the wreckage.

He also said some 80 people were injured, with 30 people with minor injuries and 50 with moderate and more serious injuries of varying severity.

He thanked all emergency services for their help. - Guardian

3 hours ago

‘We are expecting this to be a tragedy,’ says health minister

Spanish health minister Monica Garcia told state broadcaster TVE that emergency workers were focusing on rescuing survivors and bodies from the two most damaged train cars.

She said that the injured were being sent to different hospitals in the area.

“It was a high-speed impact, so we are expecting this to be a tragedy,” Garcia said.

3 hours ago

Rail service suspended between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia.

3 hours ago

Reports Iryo train flagged failure in signalling system before crash

El Mundo reports that the Iryo train flagged a failure in its LZB signalling system shortly before the crash, but the train behind did not receive the information.

Investigators believe the AVE high-speed train travelling behind crashed into the stationary Iryo service, according to the newspaper. - Guardian

3 hours ago

544 passengers on board both trains, including a baby

The affected trains are understood to be Iryo 7076 with 146 passengers plus one baby on board and AVE 2080 with 397 passengers on board, making it 544 people in total on board of both trains.

Early inquiries point to a possible signalling failure that contributed to the crash, Spanish media reported.

3 hours ago

‘Urgent call’ for blood from Madrid’s Blood Transfusion Centre

The Community of Madrid’s Blood Transfusion Centre has made an “urgent call” for blood donations after two high-speed trains collided.

The centre, in particular, is looking for blood groups A+, A-, O+, O- and B- and call on people to visit their nearest donation point.

2 hours ago

Spanish royal family ‘moved and concerned’ after trains collide

Estamos conmovidos y preocupados por el accidente ferroviario en Urda (Toledo). Acompañamos en su tristeza a las familias y seres queridos de los fallecidos y enviamos nuestro cariño a los heridos y personas afectadas.

Nuestro apoyo también a los equipos de emergencia y a todos…

— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) October 28, 2026

In a post on X, the Spanish royal family said they are “moved and concerned by the train accident in Urda (Toledo)”.

“We share in the sorrow of the families and loved ones of the deceased and send our affection to the injured and those affected.

“Our support also goes to the emergency teams and all those working in the area to help as much as possible under these circumstances.”

2 hours ago

Copa del Rey fixtures postponed

The Royal ‌Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has postponed Wednesday’s 24 ‌Copa del Rey first-round matches.

The games ​have been postponed “as a show ⁠of respect ⁠and ​solidarity with all the victims”, the RFEF said, adding that new dates for the matches will be announced soon. - Reuters

2 hours ago

Phone line set up for victims and their families

In a statement posted on X, railway company Renfe said: “We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the victims of the train accident in Urda (Toledo).

“We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who have been injured.

“At this time, our priority is to assess the extent of the damage and to remain permanently available to those affected, the authorities, and the emergency services.”

Renfe has set up the phone line as part of the assistance plan for victims of railway accidents and their families.

“Train traffic is interrupted between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalucía. Free changes and cancellations enabled for all affected trains.”

2 hours ago

EU ‘ready to support’ Spanish investigation into train crash

The European Commission has offered to help with the investigation into Wednesday’s train crash in Urda.

EU chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said: “Our thoughts and our feelings are with the victims, their families and friends, and all those affected, and the commission, together with the European Union Agency for Railways, is closely following the situation, and we stand ready to support the Spanish authorities in any way that may be needed.”

But she noted it was “too early, absolutely too early, to draw any conclusions” as the emergency response continues.

2 hours ago

Death toll reaches 64

The Castilla La Mancha regional government said 64 people have died following the train collision. - Reuters

This makes it a deadlier incident than this January’s Adamuz crash and the third worst train disaster in Spain since the seventies.

The death toll is still likely to change.

1 hour ago

Photographs from the scene

Two high-speed trains collided between the towns of Mora and Orgaz on the Madrid-Andalucía line on Wednesday morning in Spain.

1 hour ago

Prime minister expected to travel to crash site later today

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to travel to the scene of the crash later today, a government spokesperson told Spanish media.

The government said the prime minister is travelling to Urda to “support the work of the emergency teams and convey his support to those affected and their families.

“The priority is to attend to the victims and ensure the maximum coordination between administrations.”

1 hour ago

64 dead and 58 injured following Spanish train crash

Local authorities now report that 58 people have been injured and that of the 64 people who died, 40 were travelling on the Iryo train and 24 on the AVE high-speed train.

1 hour ago

Andalusia declares three days of mourning

The Andalusian regional government has declared three days of mourning.

“We are devastated,” its president, Juanma Moreno, said.

“All of Andalusia stands with the victims of this latest train accident,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, also announced three days of mourning and suspended all official events.

1 hour ago

Taoiseach offers ‘full solidarity’ to Spanish government

It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic train accident in Spain this morning.

Ireland’s thoughts and prayers are with the Spanish people during this difficult time, particularly the victims and their families. pic.twitter.com/uqQxNH5YkV

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 28, 2026

In a post on X, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic train accident in Spain this morning.

“Ireland’s thoughts and prayers are with the Spanish people during this difficult time, particularly the victims and their families.”

1 hour ago

Iryo says train struck from behind ‘for reasons still unknown’

Rail operator Iryo said its train was struck from behind “for reasons still unknown,” in a post on X.

In a new statement, the company said its 6076 service left Madrid bound for Seville at 7.54am with 147 passengers, three crew members, a barista, and its driver on board.

“At 8.48am, and for reasons still unknown, it was struck from behind by a Renfe Class 103 train near Urda (Toledo), at kilometre marker 118,” Iryo said.

The operator said it was “collaborating closely” with Renfe, Spanish railway infrastructure manager Adif and “relevant authorities” to determine the cause of the crash.

“At this time, Iryo’s absolute priority is the people affected, and the entire company team is dedicating all its efforts to managing the accident,” it said.

It confirmed all its services from Madrid’s Atocha station headed for Spain’s high-speed southern rail corridor have been cancelled, with no estimated time for resumption.

57 minutes ago

Department of Foreign Affairs ‘ready to provide consular assistance’

My thoughts are with the people of Spain following the tragic train accident in Toledo province today. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. My Department, including our Embassy in Madrid, stands ready to provide consular assistance should it be needed.

— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) October 28, 2026

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said her thoughts are with the people of Spain following the tragic train accident in Toledo province.

“Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

“My department, including our embassy in Madrid, stands ready to provide consular assistance should it be needed.”

52 minutes ago

Spanish tennis player sends ‘very big hug’ to families who lost loved ones

Estoy siguiendo con mucha preocupación y tristeza el trágico accidente de tren en Toledo.

Quiero mandar un abrazo muy fuerte a todas las familias que han perdido a sus seres queridos. Es difícil encontrar palabras en momentos así.

Todo mi cariño y mucha fuerza también a las…

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 28, 2026

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal said: “I am following with great concern and sadness the tragic train accident in Toledo,” in a post on X.

“I want to send a very big hug to all the families who have lost their loved ones.

“It is hard to find words in moments like these. All my affection and much strength also to the injured people.

“From the heart, I hope they recover soon,” the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion said.

46 minutes ago

Spanish transport minister confirms controlling system failure

Spanish transport minister Óscar Puente paid tribute to all affected by the crash.

“We are absolutely devastated; as you can well imagine, this is one of the most difficult moments one could ever face,” he said.

He says a rear-end collision is an unusual thing on the Spanish network, which is why his enquiries focused on understanding what happened.

He has been able to see a full reconstruction of the incident and review audio recordings of all communications between the affected trains and the traffic control.

He said that around 8:30am this morning, the LZB controlling system failed due to communications issues, leaving no coverage for just over 60km of the track, which in turn triggered an automatic stop for six trains on that stretch.

But around 8:36am, the Adif control centre issued a manual instruction to override the warning and let the traffic resume.

He heavily suggested that this decision should not have been made, as trains should have remained under strict orders not to move.

During the next 25 minutes, the second AVE train travelled 25 kilometers and eventually collided with a stationary Iryo train.

“This is the account of events that I can provide,” he said. - Guardian

42 minutes ago

Spanish transport minister hints at technical and human errors

Spanish transport minister Óscar Puente says that while a signalling failure “can happen”, there are strict standard procedures for how to proceed in such cases, as he once again heavily hinted at a combination of technical and human errors.

He said the order to restart traffic should not have been issued, and that even if it was taken, the train in question should have been instructed to restart “on sight” – meaning the driver should only move very slowly, under strict restrictions, at maximum 40km/h, and not at normal speed.

He said the person responsible for the decision is now under investigation.

He did not answer a question if he intends to resign.

Puente suggested there was more than one incorrect order; a similar instruction to resume was also ordered to at least one other train, with the train driver going back to the traffic control to push back on the order. - Guardian

8 minutes ago

At least 68 deaths confirmed by the Castilla – La Mancha president

The Castilla – La Mancha president Emiliano García-Page said the latest data suggest at least 68 fatalities.

There are also some 15 people with severe or critical injuries and 53 people who required hospitalisation for moderate injuries.

He also spoke of his “deep, profound” sorrow over today’s incident.

5 minutes ago

‘Any negligence ... will come to light," says prime minister

Prime minister Pedro Sánchez said “Spain is in mourning” as he expressed “solidarity and empathy” with all affected.

He said the government’s first priority is to focus on helping the victims and their families.

He thanked all emergency services for their work.

The government needs to “clarify what has happened, why this tragedy occurred,” working alongside the independent railways accident investigators and judicial authorities, he said.

“If there has been any negligence, it will come to light. And if there have been failures in the safety system, they will be addressed with the utmost firmness.”

Sánchez pointed out that the two high-profile high-speed train crashes of recent months – this one and in Adamuz in January – seem to have different causes.

But he said the government “must further strengthen safety to rebuild confidence in our high-speed rail network.”

“This is essential, as it is unacceptable for a country like Spain to experience two high-speed rail accidents in a single year.”

Sánchez declared three day of mourning in Spain, from October 29th to October 31st.

“Spain is in mourning and embraces the victims; the government of Spain – and the entire State – stands with the victims and their families.”