In brief
The crash of a Renfe high‑speed train against a stationary Iryo train near Urda on 27 October 2026 resulted in at least 68 deaths and around 100 injuries. Two South Korean nationals sustained injuries and were treated at hospitals, while foreign officials from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Japan reported possible casualties. Spanish authorities announced three days of national mourning and launched investigations into signalling and human‑error causes.
A high‑speed train operated by Renfe struck the rear of a stationary Iryo train near Urda in Toledo province on 27 October 2026, derailing two carriages and killing at least 68 people while injuring about 100 passengers.
According to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry, two South Korean nationals were among the injured; one sustained minor wounds and was discharged, while the other remains hospitalized as investigations continue.
Spanish regional officials reported that roughly 80 passengers were wounded, including about 50 serious cases and 15 critical cases. The incident involved more than 500 travellers on the two trains.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning from 29 to 31 October, saying “the whole of Spain is grieving.” King Felipe VI issued a statement expressing sorrow for the victims and their families.
Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said a computer failure initially paused six moving trains, including the ones that collided, and that a control‑centre decision let the Renfe train move again without speed restrictions, despite a red signal. He called the decision an “inexplicable” error.
Royal and governmental figures from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia sent condolences to King Felipe VI and the Spanish public. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan all sent messages expressing sympathy and wishing for a speedy recovery of the injured.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman sent a note of condolence to King Felipe VI, offering his deep sympathy to the king, the families of the deceased, and the Spanish people, and wishing the wounded a swift recovery.
Foreign Ministry officials in Japan said that two Japanese nationals may have been aboard the trains, but confirmation was pending. The ministry was checking on their safety.
Bulgarian authorities reported that no Bulgarian nationals were injured; the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry offered condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with Spain.
Investigation focus remains on possible signalling failures, computer and control‑center decisions, and human error. Spanish trade union CSIF has called for the resignation of the head of traffic at Adif over the incident. Police in Madrid faced protests demanding accountability from officials linked to the crash.
