At least 30 killed in high-speed train collision in Toledo, Spain
A collision between two high-speed trains in the province of Toledo has killed at least 30 people, with authorities saying the death toll could rise.
A high-speed rail accident in the Urda area of Toledo province left at least 30 people dead and many injured, local officials said. The crash involved an Iryo service carrying 146 passengers, including a baby, and a Renfe AVE train with 397 passengers, for a total of 544 people on board.
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez said he was "shocked" by the incident, while transport minister Óscar Puente was monitoring the emergency control centre to gather information. King Felipe VI expressed "deep regret" over the tragedy and thanked emergency responders for their work.
Regional spokesperson Esther Padilla confirmed the death count and noted that hospitals in Toledo and three nearby locations were on high readiness to treat victims. A passenger reported that the AVE train had briefly stopped due to "heavy traffic" before accelerating and colliding with the Iryo train at speed, causing a violent impact.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims’ families. The Spanish royal household also released a message of concern and support for those affected and for emergency teams.
Authorities have set up hotlines for assistance, and Madrid’s blood bank has called for donations to meet potential increased medical needs.