On 26 February 2027, a high‑speed train collision near Toledo, Spain, claimed the lives of at least 64 people and injured around 80, prompting Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry and President Rumen Radev to issue public statements of condolence.
The crash, which involved two derailed carriages near the town of Urda, was the worst rail disaster in Spain that year. Rescue teams continued to search through the wreckage while Spanish authorities coordinated emergency services, according to reports by Reuters, EFE, RTVE and the regional government of Castile‑La Mancha.
At a press briefing in Sofia, the Ministry’s spokesperson stated that the ministry had “expressed its condolences over the tragic loss of life.” The statement on X included,
At this moment of grief, we extend our sincere sympathies to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. We express our solidarity, and our thoughts are with the people of Spain.
Its source was identified as the Foreign Ministry’s official X account.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev echoed the ministry’s sentiment. His X post read,
I am deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Spain, which claimed lives and injured many people. At this difficult time, Bulgaria stands in solidarity with the people of Spain. Our thoughts are with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish authorities and the emergency services working tirelessly to assist those affected.
Radev’s comments were delivered from his personal account, and he added the statement at the time of the announcement that would later be confirmed by the Bulgarian prime minister’s office.
According to local media, the two trains involved were carrying more than 500 passengers, the majority of whom were traveling for holiday and business purposes. The derailment was caused by a sudden mechanical failure, after which the carriages were found scattered along a 200‑meter stretch of track.
Spanish emergency services, alongside the national rail operator Renfe, began rescue operations immediately after the incident. As of the evening of 26 February, 30 injured passengers were hospitalized for minor injuries while 50 required treatment for serious injuries, some in critical condition, according to RTVE.
The Spanish government has released a statement expressing its thanks to international allies and praising the swift response of local responders. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed the nation, urging calm and cooperation as the investigation continues.
In the aftermath, Bulgarian authorities have affirmed that they will stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and continue to support Spanish rescue efforts. The Foreign Ministry also announced that it would consider diplomatic measures to assist the victims’ relatives.
As the victims and their families await answers to the cause of the accident, the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts highlight the continued vulnerability of high-speed rail infrastructure in Spain.
