Toledo train crash leaves 10 dead as Madrid to Seville line halts
Two high-speed trains collided in a rear-end impact on Wednesday, sending carriages off the track and prompting officials to prepare local facilities for the injured.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
Two high-speed trains struck one another in Toledo province on Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and suspending rail traffic between Madrid and southern Spain. The collision occurred when one train ran into the rear of the other, knocking two carriages off the elevated track.
Adif, the state rail infrastructure authority, confirmed the incident on the line connecting Madrid and Seville. Regional authorities in Castilla-La Mancha reported that the wreckage strewn across the embankment included twisted metal and broken panels. At least one carriage remained on the elevated section of the track while others lay below.
Esther Padilla, a spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, stated that authorities had verified 10 deaths. She warned that the figure could rise as rescue teams continue their work. "The information we are receiving is not good at all. There are at least 10 dead and it is possible that the number will increase," Padilla told local media.
Government sources indicated to the newspaper El País that the severity of the crash might exceed that of the Adamuz rail disaster in January, which claimed 46 lives. Manuel Galán, the mayor of Urda, a town near Toledo, said emergency services requested that a local sports hall be prepared to accommodate injured passengers.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted on X that he was in constant contact with the transport minister and the regional president. He described emergency services as working on the ground to assist those affected in coordination with local administrations. "My love, solidarity and support to all the victims and their families," Sánchez wrote.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition People's party, also reacted on X. He expressed concern over the new rail accident and stated that the priority was attending to the victims and their families. Main political parties suspended their planned activities for the day as they prepare for the general election scheduled for next month.
