At Least Two Canadians Injured in Deadly Spain Train Crash, Carney Says

At least two Canadians were injured in a deadly high-speed train collision in Spain, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed, as the death toll from the disaster reached at least 68.

Carney expressed Canada’s solidarity with the victims and their families on Wednesday, saying the country was prepared to provide assistance where needed.

“At least two Canadians were hurt in this tragedy,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa, extending his thoughts to the injured, their families and others affected by the crash.

Two High-Speed Trains Collide

The accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. local time in Spain’s Toledo province, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, involving two high-speed trains travelling from Madrid towards Seville.

According to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator ADIF, a train operated by state-owned RENFE struck the rear of an IRYO train that had stopped on the tracks. The impact damaged several carriages and knocked two cars off the rails.

Regional authorities confirmed that at least 68 people had died, while 58 others required hospital treatment. Rescue teams continued searching the wreckage for survivors and victims.

Witnesses described scenes of passengers attempting to escape through train windows. Nearby construction workers reportedly rushed to help the injured and provided first aid before emergency services arrived.

Rail Services Suspended Amid Safety Concerns

The collision forced the suspension of rail services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia, disrupting travel across parts of southern Spain.

The tragedy comes months after another deadly high-speed train collision in southern Spain in January, renewing concerns about railway safety.

Spain’s high-speed rail network, which opened in 1992, has long been a source of national pride. Before the fatal accidents recorded this year, the country had not experienced a deadly crash on its dedicated high-speed lines.

CTV News