Train crash near Toledo kills at least 68 people. Canary Islands observe mourning.
On Wednesday 28 October an AVE Renfe train collided with a stationary Iryo train on the Madrid-Andaluz high-speed line between Los Yébenes and Urdá in the province of Toledo. Authorities in Castile-La Mancha reported at least 68 deaths. Over 500 passengers were on both trains.
The collision occurred in the morning near the Urda station in the province of Toledo. The AVE Renfe train struck the rear of the Iryo train. The Iryo train was stationary due to a safety system failure. Survivors stated their train stopped approximately ten minutes earlier after an announcement. They felt a strong impact from behind when the train moved. Adif halted rail traffic between Madrid and Andaluz.
The President of Castile-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, confirmed the death toll reached 68. Earlier reports listed 64 fatalities and 58 hospitalised individuals. Fifteen patients were in critical condition. This is one of the deadliest railway accidents in Spanish history.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the incident as improbable. He cited a failure of the LZB control system at Urda station. He called the decision by the Adif control centre at Atocha inexplicable. The centre allowed the AVE to proceed despite a red alarm indicating an occupied track. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised a firm response if system errors or negligence are confirmed. The court in Orgaz is conducting proceedings. Sánchez stated that negligence would be revealed.
Among the missing is former Labour Minister Fátima Báñez. PP and CEOE sources stated she was on the Iryo train. The newspaper ABC reported her death based on PP sources. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo stated there was no confirmed information regarding her fate.
In the Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria declared three days of official mourning. Planned events were cancelled. The Cabildo de Gran Canaria observed a minute of silence for the victims. La Palma will observe this today in the afternoon. Canary politicians offered condolences to the victims' families.