At least 30 people were killed when two high-speed trains collided in central Spain on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued.
The accident occurred near Urda in the Castilla-La Mancha region, approximately 130 kilometres south of Madrid.
Officials confirmed that the collision involved a train operated by national railway company Renfe and another belonging to private operator Iryo.
Spain Train Collision Triggers Emergency Rescue Operation
The trains collided shortly before 9am local time, leaving damaged carriages scattered across the railway tracks.
Two carriages reportedly derailed and fell down an embankment.
Emergency teams deployed firefighters, three helicopters, and two mobile intensive care units to the accident site.
Authorities had not confirmed the total number of injured passengers.
Meanwhile, railway operator Renfe suspended high-speed services connecting Madrid with southern Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Expresses Shock Over Deadly Crash
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to victims’ families and cancelled a scheduled public engagement.
Spain’s royal household also expressed concern and offered support to emergency responders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed solidarity with Spain.
Second Major Train Disaster Raises Safety Questions
Wednesday’s collision follows another deadly railway accident near Adamuz in January 2026.
That crash killed 46 people and raised concerns about railway safety standards.
Both accidents occurred along the high-speed route connecting Madrid and Seville.
Spain operates one of the world’s largest high-speed railway networks, second only to China.
The latest tragedy has renewed scrutiny of railway operations as authorities work to establish the collision’s cause.
