46 Dead as Two High-Speed Trains Collide in Central Spain

Spain is grappling with one of its worst rail disasters in recent times after two high-speed trains collided in the Toledo province on Wednesday morning. At least 46 people are reported dead, and the toll is expected to climb as rescue operations continue.

According to local media, the trains involved were a Renfe AVE and an Iryo service. The collision happened at approximately 8:54 a.m. near Ureda railway station, prompting a large emergency response. Firefighters from Alcázar de San Juan and Orgaz, civil protection units from nearby municipalities and three medical helicopters were sent to the scene by the 112 emergency service of Castilla-La Mancha.

Local officials have verified at least 39 deaths. Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the regional government, stated that a total of 544 passengers were on board. The Iryo train carried 146 passengers and one infant, and the Renfe train carried 397 passengers.

The reason for the crash remains unknown. The Ministry of Transport said early signs point to the AVE train possibly hitting the Iryo train from behind, which caused two of its coaches to derail and fall down an embankment.

Rail traffic on the Madrid to Andalusia high-speed corridor has been fully stopped since the collision. Medium-distance high-speed rail services have also been impacted.

Iryo said on X that all services leaving Atocha for the southern corridor have been cancelled, and that its emergency protocols are active. Renfe has suspended services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia. Officials have not said when trains will run again.