30 confirmed dead after train collision near Toledo

At least 30 people were confirmed dead on Wednesday morning after two high-speed trains collided roughly 140 kilometers south of Madrid. The crash occurred between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz shortly after 09:00 local time. Rail operator Adif stated that the incident involved a Renfe train and an Iryo service operating on the route between Madrid and Seville.

The collision happened when a Renfe train traveling from Madrid toward the south struck an Iryo train that was stopped on the tracks. According to broadcaster RTVE, which cited the transport ministry, the Renfe train rear-ended the stationary Iryo service. The impact was severe enough to send at least two carriages off the track and down an embankment. A passenger on one of the trains told local media that the impact occurred about 40 minutes into the journey.

More than 500 people were on board the two trains combined. Esther Padilla, a spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, provided a specific breakdown to TVE. She stated that the Iryo train was carrying 146 passengers and one infant. The Renfe train carried 397 passengers. Emiliano Garcia-Page, the president of Castilla-La Mancha, confirmed the death toll of at least 30 to Spanish media. He warned that the number of fatalities could rise as emergency crews continue to work the scene.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was shocked by the serious accident in Toledo. He posted on X that he remained in constant contact with the Minister of Transport and the regional president. Sanchez noted that emergency services were on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety in coordination with all involved administrations. He expressed his solidarity and support to the victims and their families. Sanchez and other Spanish politicians canceled all public engagements on Wednesday, including campaign events for next month's parliamentary elections.

The Spanish royal family also posted on X, stating they were shocked and concerned by the accident. They expressed condolences to the relatives of the deceased and those affected by the crash. An EU spokesperson said the bloc was ready to help Spain if needed. A large emergency response is underway, with fire crews and helicopters at the scene. Spanish news agencies reported that hospitals in the area have suspended planned surgeries to handle the influx of patients from the crash.

A blood transfusion center in Madrid appealed for urgent donations in response to the accident. Centro de Transfusión posted on X that it made the request in the face of a possible sudden increase in care needs. Facilities in Toledo, Ciudad Real, and Alcazar de San Juan have canceled procedures as casualties from the crash begin to arrive at the hospitals. All train traffic on the affected line has been stopped at stations along the route, according to Adif. Renfe said services between Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Andalusia remain suspended.

This is the second high-speed rail tragedy in Spain this year. In January, a high-speed train derailed in southern Spain. Its rear carriages entered the path of a state-run Renfe train, claiming the lives of 46 people. The cause of the current crash has not been confirmed, though reports in Spain suggest the high-speed train hit another train that had stopped on the tracks.