In brief
On Wednesday, an AVE train struck the rear of a stationary Iryo train near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province, derailing carriages and killing at least 68 people. Two South Korean nationals were among the injured; one suffered minor cuts and left the hospital, the other remains hospitalized. Spanish authorities are probing a possible computer or signalling error that allowed the moving train to depart against a red signal.
The collision of a Renfe AVE high‑speed train with a stationary Iryo carriage near Urda, in Spain’s Toledo province, killed at least 68 people and left dozens injured. The crash, which occurred early on Wednesday, is the second major fatal high‑speed train accident in Spain this year.
According to Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente, a computer failure initially paused six moving trains, including the two involved, on a 40‑mile stretch of track. Using the rail control centre, the following train was re‑energised without speed restrictions despite a red signal, leading the Renfe train to collide with the still‑stationary Iryo carriage. Puente called the decision a “clear and inexplicable error” and said that the event was still under investigation.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from the crash site on Urda, declared three days of national mourning from October 29 to 31. “Spain is in mourning,” he said, adding that “if there was negligence, it will be revealed.” He also warned that “what is unacceptable for a country like Spain is to suffer two train accidents in the same year.”
At least 80 people were reported injured; about 50 sustained serious injuries and 15 were critical. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia said the wounded were being taken to several hospitals in the area.
Of the injured, two South Korean nationals were confirmed by Seoul’s foreign ministry. One had minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other is still hospitalized. The ministry said it was in close contact with the embassy in Spain and continuing to check for any additional Korean casualties. As of 6:40 a.m. Thursday, the ministry had confirmed that 11 South Korean passengers had been aboard the two trains.
Kyodo News reported that two Japanese nationals may have been on one of the trains involved. Foreign ministry officials said those names appeared on passenger lists and were being checked on their safety. The report said the crash was caused by a rail control centre telling the driver of the following train to depart despite a red signal.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his vice‑presidents, along with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, sent messages of condolence to King Felipe VI and the Spanish people, wishing a swift recovery for the injured. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia joined other diplomatic entities in expressing sympathy for the victims’ families.
Bulgary’s foreign ministry confirmed that no Bulgarian nationals were injured. The ministry said it was monitoring the situation and offering assistance to those affected. Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev posted a statement of solidarity with Spain and directed his condolences to the families of the victims.
Spanish railway operators Renfe and Iryo are cooperating with investigators. Renfe said rail service remains suspended between Madrid and the Andalusian region; Iryo indicated its train was “struck from behind” by a Renfe train due to causes still unknown.
Investigations are examining the role of signalling and system controls. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente noted that the control centre had to decide to let the Renfe train move again without speed restrictions, despite a remaining red light. He described the decision as made “under inexplicable circumstances.” Trade unions are demanding that the head of traffic at Adif be held accountable, while police in Madrid have clashed with protestors demanding resignations of officials linked to the crash.
The crash has prompted calls for stricter safety measures across Spain’s rail network. Prime Minister Sánchez emphasised that “the accident may have been caused by human error” and urged clearer protocols to prevent recurrence.
