At least 30 people killed after high-speed trains collide in central Spain

The collision occurred just after 9 a.m. local time near the town of Urda in the province of Toledo. One train reportedly slammed into the back of another stationary train, causing significant damage. Images from the scene showed at least two severely damaged train carriages flipped over on their side after tumbling down an embankment.

AVE was carrying 397 passengers while IRYO had 146 people on board, according to local authorities. A reporter for local broadcaster TVE described scenes of "absolute chaos" and a constant stream of ambulances and emergency vehicles arriving at the crash site.

Emergency Response

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia called it a "high impact accident, it will be a major tragedy" but noted it was too soon to confirm a final casualty figure. "We don't just need help from nearby hospitals, we need nearby hospitals that have ICU beds," she added.

Passenger Accounts

One passenger, Miguel, told local radio station COPE about the terrifying moment of impact. We heard a massive roar, a truly enormous thud that went on for 10 seconds as if the train were about to derail, he said. "Through the right-hand window, we could see a wrecked train – I imagine it must have been the other one."

Government Reaction

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed being "shocked" by the "serious" accident. "Emergency services are working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all the involved administrations," he wrote on social media. "My affection, solidarity and support to all the victims and their families."

The collision comes just months after another devastating rail disaster near Adamuz in Andalusia in January, which killed 46 people and injured more than 150. That crash was the deadliest in Spain since a 2013 incident that killed 80 people and significantly shook public confidence in the country's extensive high-speed rail network.