Spain train tragedy: Over 30 killed, several injured as two high-speed train collide near Madrid
The accident occurred on the Madrid-Andalusia railway line, prompting the suspension of services, rail operator Adif said.
PTC News Desk: Over 30 people were killed and several others injured after two high-speed train collided in Spain on Wednesday. The accident occurred on the Madrid-Andalusia railway line, prompting the suspension of services, rail operator Adif said. Authorities were investigating the cause of the crash and assessing the situation.
A southbound Renfe AVE train collided with a stationary Iryo train on Spain’s Madrid-Andalusia high-speed railway line. The impact caused several carriages to tumble down an embankment.
Esther Padilla, a spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region, confirmed 10 deaths and warned that the toll was likely to rise. However, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
Emergency teams rushed to the site to assist passengers and the injured. Manuel Galan, mayor of the nearby town of Urda, told Spanish radio network Cadena SER that local authorities had been asked to prepare emergency facilities, including a sports hall, to accommodate passengers and those injured in the accident.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed shock over the incident. He said he was in contact with the transport minister and regional authorities to monitor the situation. He also expressed his support and sympathy for the victims and their families.
The crash occurred just nine months after another deadly high-speed train accident on the same railway line. In January, 46 people were killed near Adamuz in Cordoba province when an Iryo train derailed and collided with an oncoming Renfe train.
That accident sparked a debate over investment in Spain’s railway infrastructure and the maintenance of its rail network in recent years.
Following the latest crash, Sanchez cancelled his scheduled engagements for Wednesday. The opposition People’s Party also cancelled all its campaign events, a spokesperson said.