High-speed train hits stopped train in central Spain, killing at least 10
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A high-speed train slammed into the rear of another train that had stopped, derailing two cars and killing at least 10 people on Wednesday in central Spain, authorities said. Esther Padilla, spokeswoman for the Castilla La Mancha region, said authorities can confirm 10 deaths, but that “that number will surely rise.” […] The post High-speed train hits stopped train in…
A high-speed train collided with a stopped train in central Spain on Wednesday, derailing two cars and resulting in at least ten fatalities, according to authorities. Esther Padilla, a spokeswoman for the Castilla La Mancha region, confirmed the death toll, indicating the figure may increase. This marks the second major train accident in Spain this year.
The crash took place in the province of Toledo, suspending rail services between Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Andalusia. The collision occurred between two high-speed trains traveling in the same direction from Madrid to Seville, with one train striking the tail of the other that was stationary, causing two of its cars to detach from the track.
The cause of the accident remains unknown. Spanish Health Minister Mónica García stated that rescue efforts are focused on saving survivors and retrieving bodies from the most severely damaged train cars, with injured individuals being transported to various hospitals in the area. The incident involved a train operated by Spain's state-owned RENFE company and a private rail company, IRYO, an Italian-owned firm.
The RENFE train carried 397 passengers, while the IRYO train accommodated 147 passengers. IRYO expressed that it has activated its security protocols and is cooperating with authorities. The mayor of Urda, Manuel Galán, informed Spanish state broadcaster TVE that passengers sustained injuries, and civil protection authorities have requested the preparation of a sports pavilion to accommodate the affected individuals.
Castilla La Mancha's regional president, Emiliano García-Page, announced his imminent arrival at the crash site. In January, 45 people perished in southern Spain when a train veered off its tracks and collided with an oncoming train, marking the deadliest incident since a 2013 crash that claimed 80 lives. This tragedy has questioned the confidence Spaniards have in their extensive high-speed rail network.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
