At Least 64 Killed in High-Speed Train Collision in Central Spain

At least 64 people have died following a collision between two high-speed trains near Toledo in Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region, according to local authorities.

The crash occurred on Wednesday morning on the busy high-speed rail corridor linking Madrid with the southern region of Andalusia, prompting the suspension of services along the route.

Spanish rail infrastructure operator Adif confirmed that rail traffic had been halted following the accident.

“Traffic on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line has been suspended following a rear-end collision between two trains,” Adif said in a statement posted on X.

Regional government spokesperson Esther Padilla warned that the death toll could rise further as emergency crews continue rescue and recovery operations.

Authorities said there were 147 passengers aboard an Iryo train and 397 people on a Renfe high-speed train at the time of the collision.

According to officials, several train carriages derailed and plunged down an embankment following the impact, causing extensive damage and complicating rescue efforts.

Preliminary information provided by an official familiar with the investigation indicated that an Iryo train was stationary at a signal when it was struck from behind by a Renfe high-speed service.

Emergency responders, medical teams, and rescue personnel have been deployed to the scene, while authorities work to assist survivors and identify victims.

The collision is being described as one of the deadliest rail accidents in Spain in recent years and is expected to prompt a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia are expected to remain disrupted while investigators assess the scene and crews clear damaged infrastructure.