Spain: At least 64 dead after high-speed trains collide in Toledo

The crash occurred between Los Yébenes and Urda, forcing the suspension of rail services between Madrid and Andalusia. Emergency crews continue working at the scene as investigators seek to determine the cause of the tragedy.

Spain is facing a new railway disaster after two high-speed trains collided on Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo. According to reports by Reuters and Spanish media citing the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha, at least 64 people have died, although rescue operations and casualty assessments are still ongoing.

The accident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. local time in a section of railway between Los Yébenes and Urda. Preliminary reports indicated that a Renfe AVE train traveling from Madrid to Seville may have struck an Iryo train from behind. Several carriages derailed, and some reportedly fell down an embankment. Investigators are working to establish the exact circumstances that led to the collision.

Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia suspended

Rail infrastructure manager Adif suspended high-speed services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia following the crash. Renfe activated its assistance plan for victims and their families and established a dedicated telephone line, 900 10 10 20, exclusively for inquiries related to those affected.

Emergency services, including the Guardia Civil, firefighters and medical personnel, deployed a major response operation at the scene. Medical teams and emergency units were mobilized to assist injured passengers and coordinate their transfer to hospitals.

A second deadly railway disaster this year

The crash represents another major blow to Spain's railway network, following a deadly accident in January near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba, which also claimed dozens of lives.

The latest tragedy comes at a politically sensitive moment for Spain, ahead of the snap general election scheduled for November 29. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences and said he was in contact with the authorities coordinating the emergency response. Several political parties suspended scheduled events as rescue efforts continued and officials awaited further information.

Authorities are expected to provide additional details on the number of victims, the condition of injured passengers and the circumstances surrounding the collision as the investigation progresses.