In brief
On 28 October 2026, a high‑speed train collision near Urda station killed at least 50 people and injured 179. The incident involved a Renfe train colliding with a stationary Iryo train, prompting a suspension of the Madrid‑Andalusia rail service and condolences from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Near Urda station in the province of Toledo, Spain, a collision between two high‑speed trains on the Madrid‑Andalusia line killed at least 50 people and injured 179 on Wednesday morning, 28 October 2026.
According to Spanish media reports, the crash occurred at about 8:54 a.m. local time. A Renfe state‑owned train struck the rear of a private Iryo train that had been standing on the tracks, ripping two carriages from the rails and sending them plunging down an embankment.
Preliminary investigations suggest the Renfe train was traveling when it collided with the still‑stationary Iryo train. The impact caused derailing and a steep descent, leading to a high number of casualties.
The Chinese Embassy in Spain confirmed that four Chinese nationals were aboard the trains involved. At least one of them sustained a minor injury, while the other passengers were among the deceased or wounded.
Spanish railway infrastructure operator Adif announced that rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended as a result of the accident, disrupting travel for thousands of commuters.
The incident came less than a year after a fatal railway accident near Adamuz in Córdoba province, which claimed 46 lives, raising concerns about safety across the country’s high‑speed network.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted on social media that he was “shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo,” and said that emergency services were on the ground helping those affected.
Emergency responders, including police, emergency medical teams, and firefighters, were dispatched to the crash site immediately after the collision and worked to recover victims and secure the area.
Political parties throughout Spain cancelled scheduled events on Wednesday, and all major parties expressed condolences and support for the victims and their families.
The collision has prompted a reassessment of safety protocols on the Madrid‑Andalusia line, with officials promising to investigate the cause and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
