The collision between a Renfe high‑speed train and a stationary Iryo carriage on the Madrid‑Seville line near the town of Urda in Toledo province on Wednesday killed at least 68 people and left about 100 injured. The derailment caused two carriages to overturn and fall into an embankment. The incident has triggered national mourning in Spain and prompted several foreign ministries to offer condolences.
Yonhap reported that two South Korean nationals were among the injured. The South Korean foreign ministry confirmed that one passenger sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital after treatment, while the second remained hospitalized. The ministry said its embassy in Spain was maintaining close contact with local authorities and continuing to look for any additional Korean casualties.
Al Jazeera described the crash as a high‑speed train striking the rear of a stationary train, derailing two carriages. The source said roughly 80 passengers were injured, with about 50 seriously and 15 critically. Spanish officials declared three days of official mourning from October 29 to 31. The article quoted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said the government would investigate the cause and that any negligence would be revealed.
"What is unacceptable for a country like Spain is to suffer two train accidents in the same year," said Sánchez.
United Press International highlighted a computer failure that allowed the Collison. The report details that a control centre paused six moving trains, including the colliding pair, but the Renfe train was subsequently allowed to continue without speed restrictions, despite a red signal. The Germanic Labour union CSIF called for the resignation of transport minister Oscar Puente over the incident. The piece also noted that the Renfe operator announced rail service would remain suspended between Madrid and Seville.
Kyodo News mentioned that two Japanese nationals may have been aboard the trains. Foreign Ministry officials in Japan said the names of two passengers believed to be Japanese appeared on the passenger lists, and the ministry was checking on their safety. Kyodo also cited the Spanish transport minister’s claim that a rail control centre instructed the following train to depart with a red signal still in effect.
WAM reported that the United Arab Emirates president and two vice presidents sent messages of condolence to King Felipe VI. Their communications expressed sympathy to the king, the families of the victims, and the Spanish people, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The UAE message reflected solidarity across the region.
Saudi Press Agency announced that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed deep sympathy to the Spanish king, the families of the deceased, and the Spanish people, wishing the wounded a swift recovery. The officer’s cable was transmitted from Riyadh shortly after the incident.
BTA reported that Bulgaria confirmed no Bulgarian nationals were injured. The Bulgarian foreign ministry, led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, extended condolences and solidarity with the Spanish people. Reuters and EFE noted the death toll had risen to at least 64, while Spanish Transport Minister Puente spoke of a breach of protocol that led to the collision.
Overall, the event remains under investigation. Spanish authorities are examining signalling failures and control‑center decisions, while foreign ministries continue to monitor safety for their nationals and offer condolences to the affected families.
