In brief
A high‑speed train collided with a stationary train on Spain’s Madrid‑Seville line near Urda, killing at least 68 people and injuring about 100. Two South Korean nationals were among the injured, with one having minor cuts and the other still hospitalized. Spanish authorities have opened an investigation and declared three days of national mourning.
On Wednesday, October 28, a high‑speed train crashed into a stationary train on Spain’s Madrid‑Seville line near the town of Urda, killing at least 68 people and injuring roughly 100, according to Spanish officials.
The collision involved a Renfe AVE train that struck the rear of an Iryo high‑speed carriage, derailing two carriages and causing a major explosion of damage.
The South Korean foreign ministry reported that two South Korean nationals were aboard the trains and were injured. One passenger sustained minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized for more serious wounds.
“Our embassy in Spain is maintaining close contact with local authorities and continuing to check for any additional Korean casualties,” the ministry said.
Spanish authorities are investigating the cause. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said a computer failure paused six moving trains on the 40‑mile stretch, but the control center later allowed a Renfe train to proceed without speed restrictions, which he called a clear and inexplicable error.
Investigation underway
The crash may have resulted from a signal or electronic system fault. The regional government says the event involved a train running past a red signal and an inexplicable decision by the control centre to permit movement on a track that still had a stationary train.
Mourning declared
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the site and declared a three‑day period of national mourning from October 29 to 31.
“Spain is in mourning,” Sánchez said, speaking from the crash scene.
During the mourning period, rail service between Madrid and Seville will be suspended while investigators work to pinpoint the exact trigger of the disaster.
