In brief
A collision between a Renfe high‑speed train and a stationary Iryo carriage near Urda, Toledo province, resulted in at least 68 deaths and dozens of injuries. Two South Korean nationals were among the wounded, with one recovering and the other still hospitalized. Spanish authorities, alongside foreign ministries and international leaders, are conducting investigations and offering condolences as the nation mourns.
The crash, involving a Renfe high‑speed train and a stationary Iryo carriage, struck near the town of Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday, killing at least 68 people and injuring more than 100.
In a statement released Thursday by Seoul's foreign ministry, it was confirmed that two South Korean nationals were among those wounded. One passenger sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized.
“Our embassy in Spain is maintaining close contact with local authorities and continuing to check for any additional Korean casualties,” the ministry said.The ministry also noted that 11 South Korean passengers were confirmed aboard the trains involved as of 6:40 a.m. Thursday.
Al Jazeera reports that the collision occurred early on Wednesday, when a high‑speed train ran into the rear of a stationary train on the Madrid‑Seville line, derailing two carriages. The outlet quoted regional government officials saying roughly 80 people were injured, with about 50 seriously and 15 critically. “The injured are being taken to several hospitals in the area,” said regional health minister Monica Garcia. Al Jazeera also noted that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a three‑day period of official mourning from October 29 to 31.
United Press International added details on the investigation, highlighting a computer‑related failure that allowed the following Renfe train to depart without speed restrictions despite a red signal. Transport minister Oscar Puente described the incident as “truly unbelievable,” explaining that the control center had allowed the train to move again, causing the collision. UPI reported that the crash was seen by the operator Iryo as “struck from behind” by the Renfe train. The Spanish trade union CSIF called for Puente’s resignation, accusing him of blame‑shifting and improper working hours at Adif.
Kyodo News, on the other hand, focused on the international dimension beyond South Korea. The outlet mentioned that two Japanese nationals may have been aboard the trains, their names appearing on passenger lists. It echoed an earlier announcement that a rail control mistake had directed the driver to depart on a red signal. Kyodo quoted transport minister Oscar Puente describing the error as a clear and inexplicable decision by the control center.
The United Arab Emirates also sent messages of condolence. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed King Felipe VI, the families of the victims, and the Spanish people, wishing a swift recovery for the injured. Vice Presidents Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan likewise offered condolences to the Spanish monarchy and the public.
Spanish authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. The accident occurred on a 40‑mile stretch of the Madrid‑Seville high‑speed line. Some reports cited a failed signalling system, while others pointed to a computer‑controlled pause that was later overridden. The investigation is ongoing, and the European Union has not yet issued an official response.
In the aftermath, rail services between Madrid and Seville were suspended on Thursday, with Renfe working into the night to clear the wreckage. The incident has reignited discussions about rail safety in Spain, especially in light of a prior crash in January, and has political implications ahead of the upcoming national election.
