Dozens dead and many injured is the toll from the collision of two high-speed trains in Spain. According to initial information reported by Sky News, at least 50 people have lost their lives in the accident that occurred shortly after 9 a.m. (local time), between the towns of Los Yebenes and Urda, in the province of Toledo.
At the same time, Spanish media report that more than 179 people have been injured, further underscoring the severe scale of the high-speed rail tragedy as emergency response teams continue to deliver critical medical care.
According to an announcement by the Spanish railway infrastructure manager Adif, traffic on the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line was suspended following the train collision, during which one train struck the rear of the other. The company did not provide further details regarding the circumstances of the accident. The collision reportedly involved a high-speed AVE train, which had departed from Madrid bound for Seville, and an Iryo company train traveling in the opposite direction.
Reports of injuries
Witness testimonies cited by El País speak of numerous injured individuals, while emergency medical teams rushed to the scene. According to the same publication, two of the carriages involved in the accident reportedly derailed and fell down an embankment. "It was a terrifying and indescribable situation; we hadn't even realized how high a speed our train had reached," one survivor, who was sitting in the rear carriage of the AVE, told Madrid newspaper El País, recounting the harrowing collision.
"Human error" the cause
Citing government sources, El País speaks of potential human error that caused the accident. Always according to El País, rescue services report that the AVE high-speed train collided into the carriages of the Iryo train, which had come to a halt at the Urda railway station. Investigators are now analyzing dispatch communication logs and track signaling protocols as part of the broader rail safety investigation.
The Sanchez statement
The Prime Minister of Spain expressed his "solidarity and support to all victims" of the rail disaster. Specifically, in a post on social media, Pedro Sanchez declared he was "shocked by the serious rail accident in Toledo." "I am in constant contact with the Minister of Transport and the President of Castilla-La Mancha," he stated. "Emergency services are operating at the scene to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all involved authorities," demonstrating active government response efforts.
"Urgent" appeal for blood donations in Madrid
An "urgent" appeal for blood donations was issued by Madrid's regional blood donation coordinator. The appeal was made by the Blood Transfusion Center of the Region of Madrid, in anticipation of a potential "sudden increase in medical care needs." The center calls on citizens to proceed to their nearest blood donation point. Politicians expressed their support for the appeal, with the Minister of Health and the leader of the opposition sharing the relevant message to mobilize emergency medical supplies.
Spanish royal family "shocked and concerned"
The Spanish royal court stated it was "shocked and concerned" over the fatal accident. In a post on platform X, it stated: "We share the grief of the families and loved ones of the victims and send our support to the injured and all those affected." "We also express our support for the emergency response teams and everyone working at the scene, providing all possible assistance under these circumstances," reflecting the national impact of the rail disaster.
Railway company confirms involvement of its train
Iryo, the operator of one of the trains involved in the crash, announced that it activated "all emergency protocols" following the incident. "This morning, our train number 6076, operating the route from Madrid to Seville, was involved in an accident near Urda, at kilometer 118 of the route," the company stated. "Iryo has activated all emergency protocols and is working closely with competent authorities to manage the situation." All services departing from Madrid's Atocha railway station toward southern Spain's high-speed rail corridor have been canceled, Iryo stated. "At present, there is no estimate as to when services will be restored. We will continue to provide updates through our established communication channels," signaling severe rail service disruption.
Second fatal train crash in Spain in 2026
Today's incident constitutes the second fatal high-speed train accident in Spain during 2026. It is recalled that at least 45 people lost their lives and 170 were injured when two trains derailed in southern Spain on January 18. In that specific incident, the trains—operating routes to and from Madrid—collided in the Adamuz area while carrying hundreds of passengers. Specifically, an Iryo train traveling between Malaga and Madrid with approximately 300 passengers derailed. Following the derailment, the train ended up on the opposing track and collided with an oncoming train carrying about 200 passengers bound from Madrid to Huelva. The investigation into that incident revealed that a rail break had occurred prior to the collision, highlighting systemic rail safety concerns.
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