By Fatma Younis
Two trains collided in Spain on Wednesday morning, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more, authorities said. The crash occurred between a Renfe high-speed train and an Iryo train on the Madrid-Seville line, about 140 km south of Madrid.
Collision Details
The collision happened just after 09:00 local time between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz in the Toledo province. A high-speed train traveling from Madrid to southern Spain struck a stationary train, causing at least two carriages to fall down an embankment. Rail operator Adif said all traffic on the line has been suspended.
Casualties and Passengers
More than 500 passengers were on board both trains. The Iryo train carried 146 passengers plus a baby, while the Renfe train had 397 passengers. Castilla-La Mancha regional president Emiliano García-Page confirmed at least 30 deaths and warned the toll could rise. Hospitals in Toledo, Ciudad Real, and Alcázar de San Juan have canceled scheduled surgeries to treat the injured.
Cause Under Investigation
The cause of the crash has not been officially determined. Spanish media reports suggest the high-speed train rear-ended the stopped train. Investigators are examining why the train was stationary on the tracks.
Emergency Response
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was "shocked" and remains in contact with transport officials and regional leaders. Emergency services, including fire crews and helicopters, are at the scene. A blood transfusion center in Madrid has appealed for urgent donations. Sánchez and other politicians canceled public engagements, including campaign events for upcoming parliamentary elections. The Spanish royal family expressed condolences, and the European Union offered assistance.
Previous Incident
This is the second high-speed rail tragedy in Spain this year. In January, a derailment in southern Spain killed 46 people when a high-speed train's rear carriages collided with a Renfe train.
