In brief
A collision between a Renfe AVE train and a stationary Iryo train near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Oct. 28 killed at least 68 people and injured about 80. Two South Korean nationals were among the injured; one was treated for minor wounds and discharged, the other remains hospitalized. Spanish authorities investigate a possible signalling or computer error that allowed the moving train to ignore a red signal.
A high‑speed train collided with a stationary train near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday, Oct. 28, killing at least 68 people and injuring roughly 80. The crash involved a Renfe AVE train traveling from Madrid to Seville that struck the rear of an Iryo train, causing two carriages to derail.
Two South Korean nationals were among the wounded. The Seoul foreign ministry confirmed that one Korean passenger suffered minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized. Eleven Korean passengers were confirmed aboard the trains as of 6:40 a.m. Thursday, the ministry added.
Investigations focus on a possible signalling or computer failure. Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente said a rail control center had instructed the following train to proceed despite a red signal, a decision he called “inexplicable.” Al Jazeera reports that a safety system failure may have paused six moving trains, allowing the Renfe train to depart without speed restrictions. The cause of the crash remains unclear.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning, stating that the country was grieving and that an investigation would uncover any negligence or system faults. Spain’s King Felipe VI issued a statement sharing sorrow for the families of the deceased.
International leaders also expressed condolences. The UAE president, the Vice Presidents of the UAE, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent messages of sympathy to King Felipe VI, wishing a swift recovery for the injured and offering support to the Spanish people.
