Two High-Speed Trains Collide in Spain, Killing at Least 68
Two high-speed trains collided in Spain on Wednesday morning, killing at least 68 people and injuring another 80, according to the account of the incident. The crash occurred shortly before 9:15 a.m. on a line connecting Madrid with the southern region of Andalusia.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said a control system failed near the town of Urda, bringing six trains to a stop. One train was reportedly allowed to resume its journey and struck a stationary train at high speed. Puente called the decision to restart it “inexplicable.” The account did not identify who authorized the move or provide further details about the system failure.
A 62-year-old passenger told Reuters that his train continued moving after the initial impact. He described confusion aboard the train and said some passengers broke windows to escape while others were trapped beneath seats. Other witnesses said people were thrown into the air when the trains collided.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said emergency services were assisting those affected and coordinating with other authorities. He expressed support for the victims and their families. No further details about the rescue operation or the condition of those injured were provided.
The collision follows a separate high-speed train crash in January that killed 45 people, according to the account. With Sánchez facing re-election on November 29, political opponent Santiago Abascal criticized the government over the second disaster this year. He attributed the crashes to government neglect, though the information provided does not establish that as a cause.
Before 2026, Spain had one of the lowest railway fatality rates in the European Union, the account says. It also cites the European railway agency as saying that more than 90% of Spain’s rail network has the highest available level of safety control systems.