In brief
A Renfe high‑speed train struck a stationary Iryo train near Urda, Toledo province, killing at least 68 people and injuring dozens. Two South Korean passengers were among the injured, one discharged after minor injuries, the other still hospitalized. Spanish authorities, led by Transport Minister Oscar Puente, face investigations into signal and computer failures, while President Pedro Sánchez declared three days of mourning.
A high‑speed train collision near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday killed at least 68 people and injured many others. The accident involved a Renfe AVE train running from Madrid to Seville that struck the rear of a stationary Iryo train on the same high‑speed line.
According to the Korean foreign ministry, two South Korean nationals were aboard the trains. One passenger suffered minor injuries and was discharged from a hospital after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized. The ministry said it was monitoring the situation closely and expected no additional Korean casualties as of 6:40 a.m. Thursday.
Al Jazeera reports that about 80 people were injured, with many serious cases needing immediate evacuation to hospitals. WAM reports 58 injured, citing possible human error and “inexplicable circumstances.” The numbers differ because the damage and injuries were still being counted on the day of reporting.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente said that a computer failure allowed six moving trains, including the ones involved, to continue without speed restrictions after a red signal remained in effect. He called the decision of the control centre “inexplicable.”
The collision prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to declare three days of national mourning from October 29 to 31.
"Spain is in mourning,"
— Pedro Sánchez; Al Jazeera
Spanish authorities are investigating signalling failures and possible negligence. The incident is the second major high‑speed train crash in Spain this year, raising concerns about rail safety.
International leaders also offered condolences. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice Presidents Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent messages to King Felipe VI, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issued a similar cable of sympathy to King Felipe.
Moreover, foreign ministries from Japan and Bulgaria confirmed that one or two Japanese nationals may have been aboard, while Bulgaria stated no Bulgarian citizens were injured. The crash continues to prompt investigations and calls for stronger safety measures across Spain’s rail network.
