At least 64 dead in Spain train collision near Toledo

At least 64 people have died after two passenger trains collided near Urda, close to Toledo in central Spain, early on Wednesday morning (28 October). The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha has warned that the number of victims is likely to rise, as emergency crews have not yet been able to reach the deepest parts of the wreckage.

According to Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente, a stationary Iryo train was hit from behind by a high-speed AVE service. The Iryo train had been stopped as a safety measure after a computer fault affected a 69 km section of the railway, triggering an order for all trains on that stretch to halt.

Speaking at a press conference, Puente said the AVE train received authorisation to resume its journey at 08:36 local time. Over the following 17 minutes it travelled 25 km before striking the stopped Iryo train at 08:53. The minister added that the AVE’s speed at impact is not yet known, but it could have reached up to 200 km/h on that section.

‘The circumstances that led to the resumption of the journey are inexplicable,’ Puente said. He noted that the decision was made while the train was stationary and a red signal was displayed at the entrance to Urda station. The minister placed responsibility on operators at the railway control centre, who take over command when system faults occur.

Spanish media report that the control centre operator responsible for that line has been interviewed by Civil Guard officers and technicians from the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF). The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Three carriages fell from an embankment following the impact. Local authorities have urged people to remain calm as rescue efforts continue.