In brief
A collision between a Renfe AVE train and a stationary Iryo high‑speed carriage near Urda in Toledo province on October 28, 2026, killed at least 68 people and injured more than a hundred. Two South Korean passengers were among those injured, one with minor wounds and the other still hospitalized. Spanish authorities are investigating a possible signal or control center failure, while the Spanish government declared three days of national mourning and leaders from the UAE and Saudi Arabia offered condolences.
On Sunday, October 28, a high‑speed Renfe train slammed into the rear of a stationary Iryo carriage near the small town of Urda in Spain’s Toledo province, killing at least 68 people and injuring more than a hundred. The crash, which involved more than 500 passengers on the two trains, left twisted rails and shattered carriages in a sprawling wreckage that drew more than 300 emergency responders to the scene.
Two South Korean nationals were among those injured. According to Seoul’s foreign ministry, one passenger suffered minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized for ongoing care. The ministry said it has 11 Korean passengers confirmed aboard the trains that day and is keeping close contact with local authorities for any additional casualties.
Spanish officials are probing a possible rail‑control error. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said that a computer failure had caused a red signal to remain active while a Renfe train was cleared to depart, a decision he described as a “clear and inexplicable error.” He added that the control centre allowed the moving train to travel without speed restrictions, which led to the collision. Confederation Spain’s union CSIF responded by calling for the minister’s resignation over the incident.
Some reports list the total number of injured as about 80, with 50 serious cases and 15 critical. Other sources claim around 100 injuries and note that the Spanish health minister has been evacuating the wounded to several hospitals across the region.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived at the site from Urda during the night of October 28. In a press briefing, he declared a three‑day period of national mourning from October 29 to 31 and vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly. “Spain is in mourning,” he said. “We will get to the bottom of this, and if there was negligence, it will be revealed. If there were system failures, there will be a strong response.” He added, “What is unacceptable for a country like Spain is to suffer two train accidents in the same year.”
"Lives have been shattered, families have been torn apart, the pain is immense," said Sánchez in a statement at the scene.
King Felipe VI released a statement expressing sorrow for the families of the deceased and urging solidarity with the victims’ families. The king also emphasized the need for swift corrective measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Spanish rail service between Madrid and Seville is suspended for the weekend, with Renfe and Iryo working around the clock to clear the damaged track. For the resumption of service, contractors are slated to perform overnight repairs, while crews continue to search for any survivors among the wreckage.
International leaders have sent condolence messages. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with Vice Presidents Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, urged a speedy recovery for the injured and called on the Spanish people to find strength during mourning. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable from Riyadh wishing a swift recovery for the wounded and expressing deep sympathy with the king and Spanish families.
Ukrainian and Japanese officials also cautioned against misinformation. While a Japanese ministry reported that two Japan nationals may have been aboard, the Korean ministry confirmed that the injured were South Korean. Bulgaria’s foreign ministry contradicted the Turkish claim by stating no Bulgarian nationals were injured, and the minister expressed condolences to Spanish authorities.
The crash is the second major high‑speed train failure in Spain this year, following a January incident that killed 43 people. Critics blame the government for maintenance failures and insufficient safety safeguards. In response, the national government has convened a Joint Operative Coordination Center and called for stricter safety protocols across the rail network.
On Thursday, Reuters reported that rescuers were combing the wreckage in hopes of finding survivors. The search operation involved forensic teams analysing debris for signs of life, while central command coordinated radios with the national transportation agency. The timeline of investigations remains active, with authorities pressing contractors for swift data collection and evidence gathering.
As Spain mourns, emergency services also remain active. The local city council organized food and basic supplies for displaced residents, and Spanish citizens from across the country have poured into Urda to show solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
