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At Least 68 Dead After High-Speed Train Collision in Central Spain
A Renfe high-speed train struck a stationary Iryo service near Urda on Wednesday morning. At least 68 people have died and dozens have been injured. Emergency teams have been working through the wreckage as investigators examine how the collision happened.
By John Davidson · Near Urda and Los Yébenes, Toledo province, Spain — 29 October 2026
Two trains collided on the Madrid–Andalusia route
At least 68 people have died after a Renfe high-speed train struck the rear of a stationary Iryo train in central Spain.
The collision happened on Wednesday morning, 28 October, between Urda and Los Yébenes in Toledo province. Both services were travelling south from Madrid. The impact derailed carriages, with some falling down an embankment and others left severely damaged beside the tracks.
Early passenger figures indicated that hundreds of people were aboard:
- About 397 people were travelling on the Renfe service.
- About 147 people were on the Iryo train.
- At least 68 people have been confirmed dead.
- A further 58 people received hospital treatment.
Rescue teams worked through the wreckage
Emergency crews searched the damaged carriages and the area around the tracks for victims. The difficult recovery operation continued as authorities worked to identify those who had died and establish who remained missing.
Relatives were left waiting for information about loved ones. The rail operators activated support arrangements for passengers and families affected by the collision.
How the crash happened remains under investigation
Spain’s transport minister said a failure in the rail safety system had caused trains on the affected section to stop. He said the Renfe service was later authorised to continue even though a red signal remained active.
Investigators are examining the system failure and the decisions made before the collision. The sequence of events has not yet been fully established, and no final findings on responsibility have been announced.
Rail disruption and national mourning
The collision disrupted services on the route connecting Madrid with southern Spain. Rail traffic was suspended on the affected corridor, including services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia.
Spain declared three days of official mourning, from 29 to 31 October. Flags on public buildings are being flown at half-mast as the country mourns those killed.
What happens next
Investigators will continue examining the trains, the safety systems and the communications surrounding the incident. The casualty figures may be updated as recovery and identification work progresses.
Passengers planning to travel on the affected route should check for service changes before setting out.