Spain High-Speed Train Collision Kills 64, Injures More Than 100

A high-speed train collision in central Spain has killed at least 64 people and injured more than 100 others, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further.

The crash occurred on Wednesday in the Castilla-La Mancha region, about 150 kilometres south of Madrid, involving a Renfe AVE train and a service operated by private rail company Iryo.

Emergency Teams Search for Survivors

Castilla-La Mancha leader Emiliano García-Page said the death toll had risen from an earlier figure of 31 and could increase as rescue operations continued.

More than 100 people were reportedly injured, with 58 taken to hospital and 15 in critical condition. Emergency personnel, including military rescue teams, deployed to the scene as helicopters supported the search for survivors.

Iryo said its train was carrying 147 passengers and five staff members, including the driver, when it was struck from behind by the Renfe service.

The collision left several carriages overturned and damaged, with debris scattered down an embankment. Spain’s main high-speed rail line connecting Madrid to southern parts of the country was suspended following the incident.

Rail Safety Concerns Return

The disaster has renewed concerns about rail safety in Spain, which experienced another deadly high-speed train collision in January that killed 46 people near Adamuz.

That crash raised questions about the safety of the country’s railway network, despite significant investment that has helped Spain develop the world’s second-largest high-speed rail system after China.

The cause of Wednesday’s collision remained unknown, and investigators were examining the tracks at the scene.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed shock over the tragedy and sent condolences and support to victims and their families. The Spanish royal household and European Union officials also expressed sympathy, while several football matches were postponed as a mark of respect.

Channels Television