MADRID, Spain — At least 30 people have been killed after two trains collided near Urda, south of Madrid, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as emergency workers continue searching damaged carriages.
More than 500 passengers were travelling on the trains involved in the crash, according to regional government officials. The collision involved a Renfe-operated train and a service run by private rail company Iryo, which operates routes including Madrid to Seville.
Emergency Response Under Way
Firefighters, paramedics, helicopters and other emergency personnel have been deployed to the scene, where several carriages were derailed and overturned. Rescue teams are working to reach passengers trapped in the wreckage.
Emiliano García-Page, president of the Castilla-La Mancha region, said at least 30 deaths had been confirmed and warned that further victims could be discovered as crews gained access to the damaged carriages.
Hospitals in the surrounding area have suspended planned operations to accommodate injured passengers. Blood donation centres in Madrid and Toledo have also appealed for urgent donations to support the emergency response.
Rail services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia have been suspended, leaving travellers facing disruption as authorities manage the aftermath.
Spanish Prime Minister Expresses Shock
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked by the serious accident and was in contact with the transport minister and regional authorities.
He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, while emergency services continued rescue and recovery operations.
Spain’s royal family also issued a statement expressing sorrow for those killed and support for the emergency workers responding to the disaster.
Several political parties have suspended campaign activities ahead of Spain’s general election scheduled for 29 November.
Cause of Collision Remains Unconfirmed
Initial reports from Spanish media suggest that one train may have collided with another that had stopped on the tracks. However, officials have not yet established the precise circumstances of the crash.
Investigators will need to determine how the collision occurred and whether signalling, operational or infrastructure issues played a role.
The tragedy has renewed attention on railway safety in Spain, following a separate collision in January that killed 46 people.
Authorities continue to assess the scale of the disaster as rescue operations progress. The death toll and details surrounding the crash may change as further information becomes available.