At least 64 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in Spain, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further as emergency operations continue.
Emiliano Garcia-Page, leader of the Castilla-La Mancha region, told reporters at the scene that the number of fatalities was estimated at around 64, revising an earlier figure of 31.
Passengers evacuated from the trains were seen walking along a nearby road, with some covered in blood or receiving treatment for their injuries. Others carried their luggage while volunteers distributed water donated by residents of neighbouring towns.
The crash site was surrounded by ambulances, funeral service vehicles and helicopters as emergency teams responded to the disaster. Several carriages remained on an elevated section of railway track, while twisted metal, shattered panels and other debris were scattered down the embankment. At least three carriages had plunged from the track.
Rail operator Adif announced that services on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed railway line had been suspended following the collision.
According to a spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, a Renfe train and an Iryo train collided shortly after 9am local time, with two carriages of the Iryo train derailing. Authorities were still investigating the cause of the crash and assessing the number of injured passengers.
A passenger identified as Miguel, who was travelling with colleagues in the rear carriage of one of the trains, described the terrifying moments before the collision in an interview with COPE radio.
He said passengers heard an enormous roar and a powerful impact lasting around 10 seconds, leaving them fearing that their train was about to derail. He added that a badly damaged train was visible through the right-hand window.
The incident occurred on the railway line connecting Madrid and Seville, according to Adif.
Manuel Galan, mayor of the nearby town of Urda, told Cadena SER that emergency services had asked the local council to prepare temporary facilities, including a sports hall, to accommodate evacuated passengers and injured people.
The latest disaster comes after another deadly high-speed train collision in southern Spain in January, which claimed 46 lives. That incident occurred when a derailed train struck an oncoming service near Adamuz in Cordoba province.
The earlier crash prompted renewed public debate over investment in railway maintenance and the condition of the country’s rail infrastructure.
Following the latest accident, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cleared his official schedule for the day. The opposition People’s Party also cancelled its planned campaign events, according to a party spokesperson.
Sanchez, who is seeking re-election next month, expressed shock over the tragedy and extended his support to those affected.
“Shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo,” he wrote on X, conveying solidarity with the victims and their families.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the collision and offered condolences to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the people of Spain.
He also prayed for the injured to recover quickly, adding that Pakistan stood with Spain during the difficult period.
President Asif Ali Zardari similarly expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while conveying his sympathies to those injured.
According to a statement shared by the President House on X, Zardari expressed solidarity with Spain’s leadership and people and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
