In brief
A crash between an AVE train and a stationary Iryo carriage on the Madrid‑Seville line near Urda killed at least 68 people and injured around 100. Among the injured were two South Korean nationals, one of whom was discharged after treatment while the other remains hospitalized. Spanish authorities have declared three days of national mourning and are investigating a computer‑controlled signalling error.
A high‑speed train struck a stationary train on the Madrid‑Seville line near Urda in Toledo province on Wednesday, killing at least 68 people and injuring around 80, according to Spanish and regional officials. Two South Korean passengers were among those hurt, the Seoul foreign ministry said. One was treated for minor injuries and released, while the other remains in a Spanish hospital.
Both trains were carrying more than 500 passengers. The Renfe AVE train, running from Madrid to Seville, slammed into the back of an Iryo carriage that had stopped on the tracks. Two carriages derailed and crashed into an embankment, a crash that unfolded early Wednesday morning.
Spanish authorities declared three days of national mourning from October 29 to 31. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from the site in Urda, called the country grieving and vowed to investigate the cause. The Spanish transport minister, Oscar Puente, said a computer failure had initially stopped six trains on a 40‑mile stretch, but that the control centre allowed the Renfe train to depart without speed restrictions, leading to the collision.
Puente described the decision as “unexplained.” His comments sparked calls from the trade union CSIF for his resignation, and police clashed with protestors demanding accountability for the officials connected to the crash.
The incident also drew condolences from the United Arab Emirates. President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan all sent messages of sympathy to King Felipe VI, the families of the victims and the Spanish public.
Among the injured were 11 South Korean nationals aboard the two trains, according to the foreign ministry. One of the injured passengers was discharged after treatment. The ministry stated that it was maintaining close contact with local authorities and checking for additional Korean casualties.
At least 68 people died in the crash, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Spanish officials said the injured are being taken to several hospitals in the area. Over 200 members of the Military Emergencies Unit were deployed on site, and the small town of Los Yebenes has supplied food and basic supplies to those affected.
Investigations are underway into signalling failures and possible negligence. The crash comes not long after a previous accident in January in which Spanish officials promised extensive safety checks. Residents and commuters traveling between Madrid and Seville were among those on board the trains.
As the country mourns, officials continue to gather evidence to determine whether a technical fault or human error caused the tragedy.
