A devastating train crash occurred in Spain on Wednesday morning, just south of the capital Madrid, resulting in significant loss of life. The incident involved a collision between a Renfe train and an Iryo train, which operates on the Madrid to Seville route. According to reports, the crash happened at approximately 09:00 local time between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz, about 140km south of Madrid.
The accident occurred when a high-speed train traveling from Madrid to the south of the country collided with another train that was apparently stationary. The impact caused at least two carriages to fall down an embankment. Broadcaster RTVE, quoting the transport ministry, said a Renfe train rear-ended an Iryo train. The cause of the crash has not been confirmed, but reports suggest that a high-speed train hit another train which had stopped on the tracks.
More than 500 people were believed to be on board both trains. Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the government of Castilla-La Mancha region, provided details on the number of passengers on each train. The Iryo-managed train had 146 passengers and one baby on board, while the Renfe-managed train had 397 passengers. A former government minister, Fátima Báñez, who heads the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations' foundation, was also reported to be on board one of the trains involved in the crash.
The Castilla La Mancha regional government confirmed that 64 people have died in the incident, with 80 people being treated for injuries. Of the injured, 50 are said to be in a serious condition, and 15 more are in a critical condition. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock and sadness over the incident, stating that he was in constant contact with the Minister of Transport and the president of Castilla-La Mancha.
Sánchez and other Spanish politicians have cancelled all public engagements on Wednesday, including campaigning for next month's parliamentary elections. The Spanish royal family posted on social media that it was "shocked and concerned" by the accident and expressed condolences for the relatives of the deceased and those affected by the crash. A spokesperson for the EU said the bloc was ready to help Spain if needed.
A huge emergency response is under way, with fire crews and helicopters at the scene. Hospitals in the area have suspended planned surgeries as they deal with an influx of patients from the crash. A blood transfusion centre in Madrid has also appealed for "urgent" donations. This is the second high-speed rail tragedy in Spain this year, following a derailment in January that claimed the lives of 46 people.
The incident has led to the suspension of all train traffic on this line, with Renfe announcing that services between Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Andalusia remain suspended. A passenger on board one of the trains described a heavy impact about 40 minutes into the journey. Authorities continue to work at the scene to assist those affected and ensure their safety.
Key points
- At least 64 people confirmed dead in the Spain train crash
- Over 500 people believed to be on board both trains
- The incident is the second high-speed rail tragedy in Spain this year
