Police have begun to interview control centre staff after at least 68 people were killed in Spain’s second high-speed rail collision this year.
Transport minister Óscar Puente said earlier on Wednesday that the collision was likely due to human error based on information available so far.
Puente outlined a sequence of events occurring just before 09:00 local time, when a computer failure brought at least six train services in the area to a halt. A decision was then taken to give the go-ahead for one of the high-speed trains to continue its journey, leading directly to the crash.
The minister said the order to proceed was “inexplicable,” adding that there was no clear rationale for why it was made.
A total of 544 people were travelling on two trains that crashed just after 9am, causing several carriages to derail, between the towns of Mora and Orgaz near Toledo.
Footage from regional Castilla-La Mancha Television showed a derailed train with at least one carriage remaining on an elevated section of track while twisted metal, broken panels and wreckage could be seen strewn across an embankment beneath the line.
Have you been affected by this? If so, email bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Transport minister points blame at human error
- Death toll rises to 68 as search for passengers continues
- At least 64 killed in high-speed train collision, government officials report
- Disruption expected as two trains collide in Spain
- 'We fear the worst' says federal coordinator Antonio Maillo - report
- Spain's prime minister breaks silence after 'serious train accident'
- Survivor says 'people were thrown from the train'
- Mapped: Where two high-speed trains collided between Madrid and Seville
- Renfe train was authorised to continue journey despite red signal, says transport minister
Protesters gather outside Madrid's transport ministry
22:00 , Suha KidwaiProtesters have gathered outside the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility in Madrid to demand accountability over the deadly train crash that killed at least 68 people and injured dozens more.
Demonstrators displayed a banner criticising “criminals in power under the '78 regime,” a reference to Spain's political system established by the 1978 Constitution following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
More than 500 rescue personnel working into the night at crash site
21:00 , Suha KidwaiRescue personnel are continuing operations into the night at the scene of the train collision south of Madrid.
Spain’s Interior Ministry confirmed on social media that 102 personnel from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and Emergencies are deployed on site.
They are joined by 422 members of the Guardia Civil, supported by three helicopters, as well as drones and search dogs.
Spanish PM pays tribute to emergency services after horrific crash
20:00 , Suha KidwaiSpanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has commended first responders and institutional cooperation following the deadly train crash in Toledo.
In a post on X, he wrote: “We recognise the great work of the emergency services and the extraordinary coordination between institutions”, praising the response by medical personnel, rescue crews, and regional and national authorities working at the scene.
Spanish police interview rail control centre staff
19:45 , Suha KidwaiMembers of the Guardia Civil have reportedly begun interviewing all personnel present at the main rail control centre in Atocha, Madrid, Spanish media reported.
Investigators are questioning staff who were on duty at the time the decision was made to authorise the high-speed train to resume its journey.
Railway union says strike will go ahead on Thursday
19:30 , Suha KidwaiThe Spanish Union of Railway Drivers (Semaf) has confirmed it will go ahead with a nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, maintaining that the walkout will be held "in defence of railway safety."
In a statement posted to its Telegram channel, the union noted that the industrial action had been called prior to this morning's deadly collision near Urda.
Semaf stated it was "deeply shaken" by the morning's disaster and extended its condolences to the victims and their families.
Transport minister points blame at human error
19:25 , Suha KidwaiSpain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente has stated that, based on information available so far, the collision was due to human error.
Puente outlined a sequence of events occurring just before 09:00 local time, when a computer failure brought at least six train services in the area to a halt. A decision was then taken to give the go-ahead for one of the high-speed trains to continue its journey, leading directly to the crash.
The minister characterised the order to proceed as “inexplicable,” adding that there was no clear rationale for why it was made.
Foreign nationals confirmed among victims
19:22 , Suha KidwaiForeign nationals are among the victims of Wednesday morning's train crash, local government sources at Spain's emergency coordination centre have told Sky News.
Officials at the coordination centre do not yet know the exact number of people who remain missing following the collision.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is in contact with Spanish counterparts regarding the incident: "We are in contact with local authorities following reports of a train collision in Toledo, Spain. Our thoughts are with all those impacted," a spokesperson said. "We stand ready to provide consular assistance to any British nationals involved."
Regional officials in Castilla-La Mancha have confirmed that at least 68 people were killed in the disaster.
Spanish airline boosts operations as railway set to remain closed
19:00 , Suha KidwaiSpanish airline Iberia has announced measures to offset major travel disruptions following the train crash, making hundreds of extra seats available on flights connecting Madrid with southern cities.
The airline confirmed it will add a total of 520 seats to its routes from Madrid to Malaga and Seville. This includes two newly scheduled flights departing this evening: one from Madrid to Malaga at 8:00 PM local time, and a return service from Malaga to Madrid at 10:00 PM local time.
Iberia also announced that maximum economy class fares between Madrid and Andalusia will be capped at €99 (£83) through November 8.
The move follows an announcement by rail operator Iryo stating that all services on the southern high-speed corridor from Madrid have been cancelled, with no estimate for when rail operations will be restored.
15 'seriously injured' among dozens hospitalised
18:30 , Suha KidwaiSpain's health minister Mónica García has confirmed that 15 people are seriously injured following Wednesday morning's train crash.
Nearly 80 people have been admitted across four hospitals in the province of Toledo, while three others have been transferred north to facilities in the Madrid region.
García noted on social media that all receiving hospitals have activated their emergency contingency plans.
The update comes as the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha confirmed that at least 68 people have died in the accident.
Sánchez vows any negligence 'will come to light'
18:00 , Suha KidwaiPrime minister Pedro Sánchez has vowed that authorities will establish the exact cause of the train crash and uncover whether negligence played a role in the disaster.
Speaking on the investigation, Sánchez told reporters that the goal is “to clarify what happened, why this tragedy occurred.”
“The ministers of transport and interior are trying to determine what was the origin of this tragedy, of this terrible accident,” he added.
"And we will get to the bottom of this, and if there has been any negligence, it will come to light."
Health ministry makes urgent appeal for blood donations after Toledo crash
17:30 , Suha KidwaiSpanish health minister Mónica García has called on the public to urgently donate blood to support medical efforts following the rail disaster.
In a statement posted on X, García said: "In light of the potential needs arising from the railway accident, there is an urgent call to donate blood.”
The appeal was followed by links to find blood donation centres in the area.
At present, more than 80 passengers have been admitted to hospitals across the country.
'Today Spain is grieving': Sánchez pledges full support to victims and bereaved families
17:00 , Suha KidwaiPrime minister Pedro Sánchez has reiterated that providing comprehensive assistance to victims and their families remains the government's topmost priority in the wake of the devastating high-speed rail disaster.
“Today Spain is grieving, the whole of Spain is grieving, and we express all our solidarity and empathy with the relatives of the victims and the injured who are still in hospital, and whom we wish a speedy recovery,” Sánchez said in an emotional address.
Highlighting the human cost of the collision, the prime minister noted that “behind each victim is a destroyed family, pain, and anguish, which the people of Spain share.”
All Copa del Rey matches postponed following deadly crash
16:30 , Suha KidwaiThe Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has postponed all 24 Copa del Rey first-round matches scheduled for Wednesday evening as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims of a catastrophic high-speed rail accident in Toledo province.
After calling an emergency meeting the RFEF called off all its competitions for the day, halting cup openers for top-flight clubs including Real Betis, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Alavés, and Levante.
The federation announced that revised dates and kick-off times for the 24 postponed fixtures will be communicated in the coming days.
Minute's silence and vigil announced in Toledo for train crash victims
16:20 , Suha KidwaiA minute of silence will be held later today in memory of the victims of the train collision, the president of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, has announced.
A public vigil is scheduled to take place outside Toledo City Hall at 20:00 local time to honour those who lost their lives and show solidarity with their families.
Survivor describes collision: 'The carriage was completely destroyed'
16:00 , Suha KidwaiSpanish journalist Roberto Gómez has recounted the harrowing moments when the high-speed AVE train he was traveling on crashed into the rear of another passenger train on the same track.
Speaking to Onda Cero radio, Gómez said he was asleep when the train initially came to an unscheduled halt, followed by an onboard announcement citing track congestion.
Shortly after resuming motion, the train violently rammed into the rear of the train ahead. “The impact was terrible,” Gómez said. “The carriage is completely destroyed. All the suitcases are strewn all over the wreckage.”
Gómez, who escaped with minor bruises, described another passenger landing on top of him with a severe head wound as panic swept through the cabin.
Survivors worked to assist passengers suffering from heavy chest and rib injuries before eventually kicking open emergency windows to evacuate the mangled carriage.
Death toll rises to 68 as search for bodies continues
15:45 , Suha KidwaiThe death toll from the catastrophic high-speed rail collision in central Spain has risen to 68, regional authorities in Castilla-La Mancha confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, making it one of the country's worst rail disasters in decades.
Emergency crews, heavy crane units, and military personnel are continuing search-and-recovery operations along the embankment near Urda, where two passenger carriages plummeted off the tracks after a Renfe AVE service slammed into the rear of an Iryo train traveling from Madrid to Seville.
More than 100 people remain injured, with medical teams reporting several passengers in critical condition across regional trauma centers in Toledo and Madrid.
Sánchez vows security overhaul at crash site: 'This kind of tragedy can't keep happening'
15:30 , Suha KidwaiSpeaking to reporters at the crash site, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged a full investigation and an immediate review of rail security protocols following what he described as a "terrible tragedy."
Sánchez thanked first responders and emergency personnel working at the scene, offering his condolences to the families of those killed and injured. "The Spanish government would like to say that our main priority is to attend to the victims, assist the victims, and to make sure that the maximum number of people survive," he stated.
Addressing potential causes, Sánchez stressed that accountability and rail infrastructure improvements are urgent priorities: "If there were failures in the security system, then obviously we have to remedy that. It is clear that we have to increase security once again further, because this kind of tragedy can't keep happening in a country like ours."
Transport minister refuses to say if he'll resign
14:50 , Bryony GoochTransport minister Oscar Puente has refused to say whether he’ll resign after a second fatal train collision this year.
Speaking to reporters in Madrid, Mr Puente said the railway system is “reliable and safe” but had “some limits”, like every system of transport.
Renfe train was authorised to continue journey despite red signal due to protocol break
14:42 , Bryony GoochSpain's transport minister said Wednesday's fatal train crash occurred after a Renfe high-speed train was authorised to continue its journey despite an active red signal because of a stationary train on the tracks ahead, breaking protocol.
Addressing reporters in Madrid, transport minister Oscar Puente said the red signal was issued due to a computer communications failure which automatically stopped traffic and an erroneous decision was made to restart the Renfe train.
Explained: Spain leads on rail spending - but little is set aside for maintenance and renewals
14:30 , ReutersAccidents, including derailments and collisions, increased from 45 in 2016 to 57 in 2024 and 69 last year, according to Spain's railway safety authority.
Some 25 million passengers used a high-speed train in Spain in the first half of the year, a decline of roughly 14% compared with the same period last year, according to a Reuters analysis of data from Spain's competition authority.
European Commission data shows Spain's maintenance investment in its roughly 4,000 km (2,485 miles) of high-speed lines has lagged large European peers, despite an unmatched drive to expand the network.
Spain spent an average of about €1.5 billion a year from 2018 to 2022 on its high-speed network, more than any other country. However, the vast majority went to new infrastructure with only some 16% earmarked for maintenance, renewal and upgrades.
The latest: 64 killed in second Spanish train crash in nine months
14:15 , James ReynoldsAt least 64 people died when two Spanish high-speed trains collided on Wednesday, with rescue workers scouring the wreckage for more bodies after Spain's second deadly rail accident this year.
Hundreds of ambulances, funeral home vans and helicopters were parked next to one of the trains, with several carriages on an elevated section of track while twisted metal, broken panels and wreckage could be seen strewn across an embankment beneath the line where at least three carriages had plunged down.
Evacuated passengers streamed along a road near the scene, some splattered with blood or with their wounds bandaged, others wheeling suitcases and being given water by volunteers who said it had been donated from neighbouring towns.
The collision comes only nine months after an accident between high-speed trains belonging to the same operators and on the same line that killed 46 people.
A person briefed on Wednesday's disaster said a train operated by private consortium Iryo stopped near Toledo on orders from infrastructure manager ADIF due to a signal fault.
A train operated by Renfe then struck the stationary train at high speed, causing several carriages of both trains to derail, the person said.
Spain's transport minister declines to answer whether he will resign
14:07 , James ReynoldsSpain's transport minister has declined to answer whether he will resign.
Oscar Puente, in office since November 2023, said the train had been ordered to continue with its journey until collision after coming to a red signal.
Spain's deadliest train disasters
13:58 , James ReynoldsWednesday’s crash is the second deadly accident in less than a year on the line and will likely raise further questions over the country's train infrastructure ahead of November's election.
Adamuz (2026)
Forty six people died and more than 120 were injured in southern Spain when a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming one on January 18 near Adamuz, in the province of Cordoba.
Santiago de Compostela (2013)
A railway accident in the summer of 2013 left 80 people dead and 145 injured when an eight-carriage high-speed train veered off the track on a sharp bend near the northwestern city of Santiago de Compostela, slamming into a concrete wall and bursting into flames.
Madrid commuter train bombings (2004)
On March 11, 2004, 10 backpack bombs detonated on four Cercanias commuter trains, killing 193 people and injuring thousands of others during Madrid's rush hour. The attacks were carried out by Islamists opposing Spain's participation in the Iraq war.
El Cuervo (1972)
An accident caused by a head-on collision between two trains on the Cadiz-Seville route left 86 people dead and more than 150 injured near the southern town of El Cuervo in 1972. The accident was caused by a driver's failure to stop at a red light.
Urduliz (1970)
A head-on collision of two trains killed 33 people in the town of Urduliz, near the northern city of Bilbao, in the summer of 1970. A stationmaster was initially blamed for the accident, but it later emerged that he had been working 16-hour shifts for the previous four days.
Andalusia enters three-day mourning period
13:32 , Bryony GoochAndalusia will mark a three-day mourning period following the death of 64 people in a high-speed train collision.
Regional politician Juanma Moreno said: “We declare three days of official mourning in Andalusia, from 2pm today until 2pm next Saturday, October 31. We are devastated. All of Andalusia stands with the victims of this new railway accident.”
⚫️ Declaramos tres días de luto oficial en Andalucía, desde las 14:00h de hoy hasta las 14:00h del próximo sábado 31 de octubre.
— Juanma Moreno (@JuanMa_Moreno) October 28, 2026
Estamos desolados.
Toda Andalucía está con las víctimas de este nuevo accidente ferroviario.
Pictured: Passengers rescued from one of the trains involved in a collision arrive in Urda, Spain
13:15 , Bryony Gooch
At least 64 killed in high-speed train collision, government officials report
12:58 , Bryony GoochThe death toll after a high-speed train crash near Toledo has soared to 64, government officials have said.
Pictured: Rescue personnel work at the site of the collision of two high-speed trains
12:48 , Bryony Gooch
Extent of Spain high-speed train crash devastation shown in aerial footage
12:17 , Bryony Gooch
Spain high-speed train crash devastation shown in aerial footage
Watch: Burnham pays tribute to Spain victims after high-speed rail collision in Toledo
12:13 , Bryony GoochExpress train halted at signal was struck by high-speed train
11:49 , Bryony GoochDetails are coming in about what happened as two high-speed trains collided near Toledo.
An express train operated by Iryo was halted at a signal when it was struck by a high-speed train operated by Renfe, a person briefed on the disaster has said.
100 military personnel called in to help with Toledo incident
11:35 , Bryony GoochAt least 100 military personnel have been called in to support authorities after a train accident in Toledo, the Emergency Military Unit has reported.
Cerca de 100 efectivos de la #UME ya están prestando ayuda en el accidente de Los Yébenes, poniendo a disposición capacidades de búsqueda y rescate, equipo cinológico y herramientas de excarcelación, sin olvidar los equipos sanitarios y de apoyo psicológico. pic.twitter.com/aro1eoz4PQ
— UME (@UMEgob) October 28, 2026
'Europe mourns with you' - Ursula Von der Leyen
11:21 , Bryony GoochUrsula Von der Leyen has expressed her condolences following a major train collision in Spain.
The president of the European Commission is one of many world leaders putting out statements following the incident.
“Just received the devastating news from Toledo on the collision of two high-speed trains. My heart goes out to the victims’ families and loved ones. Today, Europe mourns with you.”
Just received the devastating news from Toledo on the collision of two high-speed trains.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 28, 2026
My heart goes out to the victims’ families and loved ones.
Today, Europe mourns with you.
Emergency services issues call out for blood transfusions
11:14 , Bryony GoochMadrid’s emergency services has issued a call out for blood donations following the train accident in Toledo.
On social media, the emergency services said: “Urgent call for blood donations in the face of a possible sudden increase in care needs.”
🚨🚨 Llamamiento urgente a la donación de sangre ante un posible incremento de necesidades asistenciales sobrevenidas.
— Centro de Transfusión🩸 (@Madridonasangre) October 28, 2026
🚨 🅾+, 🅾-, 🅰+, 🅰- y 🅱-.
👉 Acude a tu punto de donación más próximo.
📲 https://t.co/CKgrS2KAxR#donarsangre pic.twitter.com/CczP6fHylo
Spanish Royal Family speaks out after Toledo train accident
11:12 , Bryony GoochThe Spanish Royal Family has expressed concern after the train accident in Toledo.
A statement from the family on social media read: “We are moved and concerned by the train accident in Urda (Toledo). We share in the sorrow of the families and loved ones of the deceased and send our affection to the injured and those affected.
“Our support also goes to the emergency teams and all those working in the area to help as much as possible under these circumstances.”
Estamos conmovidos y preocupados por el accidente ferroviario en Urda (Toledo). Acompañamos en su tristeza a las familias y seres queridos de los fallecidos y enviamos nuestro cariño a los heridos y personas afectadas.
— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) October 28, 2026
Nuestro apoyo también a los equipos de emergencia y a todos…
Pictured: Train collision impact seen from above
10:54 , Bryony Gooch
At least 46 killed in train collision - report
10:39 , Bryony GoochAt least 46 people have been killed after two trains collided near Toledo, El Español has reported, citing the Civil Protection authority.
Local authorities have said they believe the number could rise, which would make it one of the worst train accidents in Spain’s modern history.
'We heard a massive roar' says survivor of train collision
10:36 , Bryony GoochMiguel, a passenger travelling with several colleagues in the rear car of one of the trains, described to COPE radio the moment of the accident.
"We heard a massive roar, a truly enormous thud that went on for 10 seconds, as if the train were about to derail. Through the right-hand window, we could see a wrecked train – I imagine it must have been the other one," he told Reuters.
Pictured: Emergency services on the scene of significant train collision
10:30 , Bryony Gooch
'All emergency protocols' activated by train operator Iryo as services cancelled
10:29 , Bryony GoochTrain operator Iryo has activated “all emergency protocols” after one of its trains collided with a Renfe train.
All services originating from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and destined for the Southern Corridor have been cancelled, the operator added.
At this time, there is no estimated time for when services might resume.
More than 500 people were travelling on the trains that collided
10:24 , Bryony GoochSome 544 people were travelling on the two high speed trains that collided near Toledo.
Castilla-La Mancha region spokesperson Esther Padilla said 147 people had been travelling on the Iryo train and 397 on the Renfe train.
Collision comes months after 46 people killed in train collision on same line
10:08 , Bryony GoochThe collision comes nine months after an accident between high-speed trains belonging to the same operators on the same line that killed 46 people.
That crash in January, which occurred after a train derailed and smashed into an oncoming train near Adamuz, in Cordoba province, triggered a debate about the level of investment in railway maintenance in recent years.
Mapped: Where two high-speed trains collided between Madrid and Seville
09:59 , Bryony GoochWatch: Aftermath of high speed rail collision in Toledo
09:59 , Bryony GoochSurvivor says 'people were thrown from the train' - report
09:58 , Bryony GoochA survivor has told El Pais that the train crash was “brutal”.
Jesús Jerónimo, 54, said he was traveling in carriage two of the AVE high-speed train to Seville, where he often goes for work meetings as a medical consultant.
“I was working on my laptop when I felt a very strong acceleration and I crashed into the seat in front of me,” he told the outlet.
“People were thrown from the train. We thought we had derailed. Then, little by little, we got out and saw that our train was tilted. There were many injured people and a lot of people shaken up. I saw papers on the floor and a child who was fine. Right now, we were helping the emergency services, holding IV bags with our hands… The firefighters, however, are working on the most damaged section of the train.”
Jerónimo added that his train stopped shortly after leaving Atocha station, about 20 minutes in, and then started moving again.
Political leaders clear agendas to focus on Toledo crash
09:55 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Pedro Sanchez's agenda, published on the Spanish government's website, had been cleared for the day following a serious train crash in Toledo.
The opposition People's Party also cancelled all campaign events, a spokesperson said.
Pictured: Carriages derailed in 'serious' train accident
09:45 , Bryony Gooch
Spain's prime minister breaks silence after 'serious train accident'
09:43 , Bryony GoochPedro Sanchez has spoken out after a “serious train accident in Toledo.”
The prime minister said on X: “Shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo. I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha.
“Emergency services are working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all the involved administrations. My affection, solidarity, and support to all the victims and their families.”
Consternado ante el grave accidente de trenes en Toledo. Permanezco en constante contacto con el ministro de Transportes, @oscar_puente_, y con el presidente de Castilla-La Mancha, @garciapage.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) October 28, 2026
Los servicios de emergencia están trabajando sobre el terreno para atender a las…
At least 39 people dead - report
09:39 , Bryony GoochAt least 39 people have been killed in the crash, local authorities have told Sky News.
Local government spokesperson Esther Padilla originally reported 10 people were confirmed dead from the high speed collision near Toledo in Spain.
'We fear the worst' says federal coordinator Antonio Maillo - report
09:36 , Bryony GoochFederal coordinator Antonio Maíllo has reportedly said he fears “the worst” from the “very serious accident”.
Maíllo said that he was “asolutely dismayed” by the incident as he urged caution, according to El Pais.
“I am shocked by the images, and I am waiting for more information,” said the spokesperson for Por Andalucía, who indicated that he fears “the worst.”
The left-wing leader, a frequent train user, said it was possible "many workers" were traveling on the trains involved in the accident and insisted that, seeing the images of the crash, he fears "the worst."
Disruption expected as two trains collide in Spain
09:31 , Bryony GoochTraffic on the Madrid-Andalucía high-speed line has been interrupted due to a collision between two trains, Adif says.
⚠️Se encuentra interrumpida la circulación en la línea de alta velocidad Madrid-Andalucía por un alcance entre dos trenes.
— INFOAdif (@InfoAdif) October 28, 2026
Two trains collide in Andalusia region with multiple casualties
09:20 , Sam RkainaTwo high-speed trains have collided in Spain, prompting the suspension of the line connecting Madrid to the southern Andalusia region, rail operator Adif said on Wednesday.
"Traffic on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line has been suspended following a rear-end collision between two trains," Adif said in a message posted on X.
A Renfe and an Iryo train crashed just after 9am (8am GMT), causing two Iryo wagons to derail, a government spokesperson for the Castilla La Mancha region said, adding that the cause and number of injuries were still being determined.
Rail operator Adif said the incident occurred between the towns of Mora and Orgaz, and involved a Renfe and an Iryo high speed train travelling from Madrid to Seville.
Manuel Galan, the mayor of Urda near the central city of Toledo, said he had been asked by emergency services to prepare a sports hall to accommodate the injured.
