In brief
On Oct. 28, a high‑speed train struck a stationary carriage in Spain, killing at least 68 and wounding about 80. Two South Korean passengers were among those injured, one recovering and the other hospitalized. Spanish officials declared a three‑day mourning period while investigations look into a computer control error.
A high‑speed train collided with a stationary train near the small town of Urda in Toledo province, south of Madrid, on Wednesday morning, Oct. 28, 2026. The crash tore through two AVE and Iryo railcars, derailing carriages and crushing the track. At least 68 people were killed and scores of others were injured.
According to authorities, about 80 passengers were hurt, with roughly 50 severe cases and 15 in critical condition. Clusters of emergency teams worked under flood lights at the site, searching for survivors and transporting the injured to regional hospitals.
Among the victims, two South Korean nationals were injured. Yonhap reported that one passenger suffered minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized. A total of 11 South Korean passengers were confirmed aboard the trains as of 6:40 a.m. Thursday.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stood at the site and declared three days of national mourning from Oct. 29 to 31. In a speech he said,
Spain is in mourning.He warned that investigations would uncover any negligence or system failures responsible for the collision.
Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente said a computer‑controlled error had allowed the following train to leave the platform with a red signal in place. He described the control center's decision as a “clear and inexplicable error” and said the crisis would remain under investigation.
International leaders also expressed grief. The UAE president and two vice presidents sent messages of condolence to King Felipe VI and the Spanish people, as did Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The messages praised Spain’s mourning and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.
The collision has drawn scrutiny from rail unions and the public, who call for accountability as investigations continue. Rail services between Madrid and Seville remain suspended while officials search for any additional casualties and determine the root cause of the tragic accident.
