Dozens of people killed after high-speed trains collide in central Spain

The Renfe high-speed AVE service hit the rear of the stationary Iryo train near the town of Urda in Toledo province, some 140km south of Madrid. The collision derailed two carriages and left at least two train cars flipped over on their side after tumbling down an embankment.

The Castilla-La Mancha regional government reported that another 58 people required hospital treatment. Rescue workers continued searching the wreckage for survivors and bodies as the investigation into the cause began.

System Failure

Transport Minister Oscar Puente revealed that a computer malfunction had disabled a safety system at around 8:30 a.m., bringing trains to a halt along a 63-kilometer stretch. A central control center then gave the Renfe train an 'inexplicable' instruction to resume its journey without speed restrictions, despite a stop signal remaining active.

The collision occurred at 8:53 a.m. Investigators were still establishing the speed at impact, though trains could travel at 200 kilometers per hour on that stretch. The Renfe train was carrying 397 passengers while the Iryo train had 146 people on board.

Second Major Crash

This is Spain's second deadly high-speed rail crash this year. In January, a devastating rail disaster near Adamuz in Andalusia killed 46 people and injured more than 150 when a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train.

The January incident was the deadliest in Spain since a 2013 crash that killed 80 people and significantly shook confidence in the country's extensive high-speed rail network.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed being 'shocked' by the 'serious' accident, writing on social media: '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.'