What we know so far about deadly Spain train crash
More than 500 passengers were on board the trains when the incident occurred in the province of Toledo, south of Madrid.
Key points
- Two trains collided in Spain south of Madrid on Wednesday morning, killing at least 60 people.
- The crash occurred between Mora and Orgaz when a Renfe train rear-ended an Iryo train, causing carriages to fall down an embankment.
- More than 500 people were on board both trains; 80 are being treated for injuries, with 50 serious and 15 critical.
Two trains collided in Spain just south of Madrid on Wednesday morning, killing at least 60 people, according to rail operator Adif. The crash happened between a Renfe train and an Iryo train on the Madrid to Seville route.
The collision occurred just after 09:00 (08:00 GMT) between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz, about 140km (100 miles) south of Madrid. A high-speed train travelling from Madrid to the south collided with another train that was apparently stationary, causing at least two carriages to fall down an embankment.
What officials said
Broadcaster RTVE, quoting the transport ministry, said a Renfe train rear-ended an Iryo train. Renfe is Spain's national state-owned railway company while Iryo is a private high-speed railway operator. All train traffic on the line has been stopped, and Renfe said services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia remain suspended.
Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the government of Castilla-La Mancha region, told TVE that the Iryo train was carrying 146 passengers plus one baby, while the Renfe train had 397 passengers on board. The Castilla La Mancha regional government said 64 people are now confirmed to have died, and warned the death toll could increase further.
I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha
— Pedro Sánchez
Emergency response and reactions
Eighty people are being treated for injuries, with 50 in serious condition and 15 in critical condition. A huge emergency response is under way with fire crews and helicopters at the scene. Hospitals in the area have suspended planned surgeries, and a blood transfusion centre in Madrid has appealed for urgent donations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was "shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo" and expressed solidarity with victims and their families. The royal family said it was "shocked and concerned" and expressed condolences. Sánchez and other politicians cancelled public engagements on Wednesday, including campaigning for next month's parliamentary elections.
