Kathmandu, October 29
The death toll from a collision between two high-speed trains in Spain’s central Toledo province has risen to 68. Eighty people were injured in the crash.
High-speed train services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended following the accident.
The collision took place on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line, near the town of Urda, at about 8:54 am local time on Wednesday. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
The trains involved were operated by Spain’s rail companies Renfe and Iryo. According to Renfe, the last two carriages of the Iryo train derailed after the collision near Urda station.
Footage released by local media shows wreckage scattered across the tracks and a nearby slope. Rescuers were working at the site, while some passengers were seen leaving the scene with their belongings.
Spain’s Civil Guard deployed additional personnel after the accident. Traffic police, aerial surveillance teams and drone operators were also mobilised, along with forensic investigators who specialise in major disasters.
Officials said rescue, treatment and relief work for the injured was being carried out in coordination with civil protection teams from the Castilla-La Mancha region.
The rail infrastructure authority said high-speed services in both directions between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Health Minister Mónica García expressed sorrow over the accident. They extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Sánchez also said rescue and emergency teams have been deployed to the site and are working with the relevant agencies to ensure the safety of those affected.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed grief over the incident and solidarity with the victims.
