At least 64 people were killed on Wednesday after a high-speed train struck the rear of another train that had stopped on the tracks in central Spain, authorities said. The collision derailed two carriages and marked the country's second major rail accident this year.
The crash occurred along the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line in Toledo province, where two trains carrying hundreds of passengers were travelling in the same direction towards Seville in southwestern Spain, according to Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government.
Spain's rail infrastructure operator ADIF said the accident took place on Wednesday morning.
A drone footage from the crash site showed a white-and-purple Renfe AVE train largely remaining on the tracks, while several carriages of a red-and-white Iryo train derailed.
Some of the damaged carriages were tilted over the railway embankment, while others laid in the field below. Twisted bodywork and debris can be seen scattered around the wreckage.
Emergency services deployed ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and medical helicopters to the surrounding fields. Rescue personnel wearing high-visibility jackets were also seen moving between the damaged carriages and emergency vehicles.
The footage panned across the rural landscape, showing the affected trains, the extent of the derailment and the ongoing rescue operation.
Spain's transport minister said the train control system failed due to a computer communication issue, prompting an immediate halt to train services. A decision to resume train operations was taken at 8.36, the minister added.
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Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cancelled his scheduled engagements to focus on the crash. In a post on X, he said he was “dismayed by the serious train accident in Toledo.”
“Emergency services are working on site to attend to the affected passengers,” Sánchez wrote. “All my thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
The accident comes as Sánchez faces a national election next month.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also expressed their condolences, saying they were closely following developments.
“We are deeply saddened and concerned by the train accident in Urda (Toledo),” the royal couple said in a statement on X. “We share in the grief of the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we send our heartfelt support to the injured and all those affected.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also offered her condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
“My heart goes out to the victims’ families and loved ones. Today, Europe mourns with you,” she said.