Rear-end collision on Spain's high-speed rail kills at least 30 commuters and travelers
A Renfe train struck an Iryo train from behind near Urda, derailing two coaches and halting all southern corridor departures from Madrid.
By Samir Doyle ·
Commuters and travelers on Spain's southern high-speed rail network faced immediate disruptions after two trains collided at 8:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday. The crash occurred at kilometer marker 118 near the town of Urda, located between Mora and Orgaz in the Castilla-La Mancha region.
Spain's Transport Ministry reported that a Renfe train likely hit an Iryo train from behind. This impact caused two coaches to derail. The Iryo service, designated as train 6076, was carrying 146 passengers, including one infant. The Renfe train had 397 passengers aboard. A regional spokesperson told ABC News that the death toll stands at at least 30 and is expected to increase.
In response to the accident, Iryo canceled all services departing from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha along the Southern Corridor. The company stated it had no estimated timeline for when regular operations would resume. Iryo confirmed it activated emergency protocols and is coordinating directly with local authorities.
Health Minister Monica Garcia said the central government is mobilizing all available resources. She emphasized coordination with regional institutions to support the response effort. Garcia stated she is working with the Castilla-La Mancha regional government to provide necessary assets. She also expressed gratitude to the emergency personnel dispatched to the scene.
The preliminary investigation focuses on the mechanics of the rear-end collision. Officials have not yet released a definitive cause for the incident. The Madrid-Seville line remains a critical artery for passenger and freight traffic in southern Spain.
