At Least 30 Dead After High-Speed Trains Collide South of Madrid
-
Post By
Emmie
- October 28, 2026
At least 30 people have been confirmed dead after two high-speed trains carrying over 500 passengers collided in central Spain on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred just after 9:00 a.m. (08:00 GMT) between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz in Toledo province, roughly 140 kilometers (100 miles) south of Madrid. A state-owned Renfe train carrying 397 passengers struck the rear of an express train operated by private rail firm Iryo, which was carrying 147 passengers and had come to a stop due to a signal fault.
The heavy impact forced at least two carriages of the Iryo train off the tracks and down an embankment, scattering wreckage across the hillside.
Local officials warned the casualty list could grow as rescue teams work through the wreckage. Jesús Pérez Martín, mayor of the nearby town of Los Yébenes, noted that emergency crews reported severe casualties at the site: "They are telling me about mutilations and very serious injuries."
A massive rescue operation involving helicopters, fire departments, and police units was launched immediately following the crash. In response to the wave of casualties, hospitals in Toledo, Ciudad Real, and Alcázar de San Juan postponed routine surgeries to prioritize incoming patients, while blood transfusion centers issued urgent calls for public donations.
Nearby municipalities prepared emergency facilities to support survivors and families. Manuel Galán, mayor of the nearby town of Urda, confirmed that local authorities were asked "to prepare emergency facilities, including a sports hall, to accommodate passengers and the injured."
All train traffic along the Madrid–Seville line has been completely suspended, with services between Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Andalusia halted until further notice.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and leading opposition figures announced the cancellation of all scheduled public events, including campaign activities for the upcoming November 29 parliamentary elections.
Prime Minister Sánchez posted on social media detailing the federal response:
"I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all the involved administrations. My affection, solidarity, and support to all the victims and their families."
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition People's Party, also released a statement:
“Very concerned about the information we are getting about a new rail accident. The priority now is to attend to the victims and support their families. My full support to the emergency teams working on the ground.”
The disaster represents the second major accident on the line this year, following a January derailment near Cordoba that claimed 46 lives and involved services from the same operators.
