A high-speed train operated by RENFE collided with a stationary Iryo train in Castilla-La Mancha, killing at least 68 people and raising rail safety concerns.
A high-speed train collision in Spain's central region of Castilla-La Mancha has killed at least 68 people, according to reports from Wednesday morning. The accident occurred when a high-speed train run by the state operator RENFE slammed into the back of a stationary train operated by the private Spanish company Iryo, south of Madrid.
On Wednesday morning, the RENFE high-speed train traveled approximately 25 kilometers before striking the stationary Iryo train, according to Transport Minister Oscar Puente. A British tourist who was rescued from the RENFE train told the Associated Press that "suddenly, everything started falling apart." The survivor stated, "We realized carriage two, carriage one, all gone, all smashed. There was blood all over."
Emergency crews worked through the night to search the wreckage for survivors and bodies, utilizing cranes to move mangled metal. Residents of the nearby town of Urda assisted emergency workers by providing water, blankets, and first aid supplies. Red Cross workers also provided support at the scene. Red Cross psychologist Carmen Garcia told AFP news agency that many people are in shock and "haven't taken on board what has happened," adding that "the grieving will be complicated."
To assist in identifying missing passengers, authorities are collecting DNA samples from relatives in Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente attributed the crash to an "inexplicable" decision to allow a train to continue after an automatic control system failed along a stretch of track. He stated the train was ordered to go in "error" despite a technical failure that had halted all services.
This incident marks Spain's second high-speed rail disaster this year. In January, 46 people died when a high-speed train derailed and collided with another in the southern Andalusia region. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who visited the crash site, pledged a full investigation and measures to strengthen rail safety. "It is clear that we need to reinforce the safety of our train service to rebuild the trust in our high-speed rail," Sanchez said. He added, "It is not acceptable for a country like Spain to endure two high-speed train accidents in the same year."
This disaster has raised fresh questions regarding rail safety in Spain. The collision occurred just weeks before the country's general election, scheduled for November 29.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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