In brief
A collision between a Renfe AVE and an Iryo Iryo train near Urda in Toledo province on Oct. 28, 2026, killed at least 68 people and injured around 80. Two South Korean passengers were among the wounded, one discharged after minor injuries and the other still hospitalized. Spanish authorities investigating a signalling error and a possible system failure, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of mourning.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, a high‑speed Renfe AVE train heading from Madrid to Seville slammed into a stationary Iryo train near the town of Urda in Spain’s Toledo province, leaving at least 68 people dead and numerous others injured.
At least 80 passengers were reported hurt, with about 50 suffering serious wounds and 20 in critical condition. Among the injured were two South Korean nationals: one sustained minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized, according to Seoul’s foreign ministry.
Spanish officials say the collision followed a computer‑controlled error that allowed a moving train to depart despite a red signal on a 40‑mile stretch of track. Transport Minister Oscar Puente explained that the control centre gave clearance to the Renfe train although the signal remained “red” and no procedure was followed. Spanish police and military units are still searching the wreckage for additional survivors.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning, stating in a speech at the crash site, “Today the whole of Spain is grieving.” He added that investigations would seek to uncover whether human error or systemic failure caused the accident. King Felipe VI expressed “shared sorrow” for the dead, while the Spanish transport ministry suspended services between Madrid and Seville for repairs.
Emergency units have deployed over 300 personnel, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, to the scene. Rescue crews worked into the night under flood lights, combing twisted rails and shattered carriages. Up to 200 members of the Military Emergencies Unit are assisting local authorities in the search and medical evacuation of the injured.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud each sent messages of condolence to King Felipe VI, the families of victims, and the Spanish people, wishing speedily recovery for the wounded. The UAE and Saudi responses echo the international community’s call for transparency on the crash’s cause.
Seoul’s foreign ministry confirms that 11 South Korean passengers were aboard the trains involved, and the embassy in Spain is monitoring their safety. Investigation teams are reviewing passenger manifests and train operation records, while Spanish rail companies Renfe and Iryo cooperate with authorities to determine fault and prevent future incidents. The incident is one of Spain’s worst rail tragedies in recent history, and officials urge stricter safety measures to restore public confidence in the national network.
