At least 39 dead after two high-speed trains collide in Spain | Video

At least 39 people have died after two high-speed trains collided in central Spain, according to reports from Spain’s state-owned news agency and other local media. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo, prompting the suspension of rail services along a major route connecting Madrid with southern Spain. 

Spanish broadcaster TVE reported that the two trains were travelling in the same direction when one struck the rear of the other.

More than 500 passengers were aboard the two trains at the time of the crash. Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, told TVE that the Iryo-operated train was carrying 146 passengers and one infant, while the Renfe-run train had 397 passengers on board.

The collision occurred near the 118-km marker between the towns of Mora, Orgaz and Urda. The impact was severe enough to derail several coaches, with two rear coaches of the Iryo train plunging down a steep roadside embankment.

Madrid-Andalusia high-speed services suspended

Following the accident, ADIF suspended services on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line, affecting connections between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia.

"Traffic on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line has been suspended following a rear-end collision between two trains," the operator said in a post on X.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed shock over the accident and extended his support to the victims and their families.

He said emergency services were working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all administrations involved. 

In a post on X, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, "Constrained and deeply shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo. I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, @oscar_puente_, and with the President of Castilla-La Mancha, @garciapage. Emergency services are working on the ground to assist the affected people and ensure their safety, in coordination with all administrations involved. My affection, solidarity, and support go out to all the victims and their families."

Crash revives safety concerns

The tragedy near Urda has reopened painful memories for Spain, coming less than a year after a high-speed train derailed in the country’s south and its rear coaches came into the path of a Renfe train, killing 46 people.

That accident at Adamuz in January was Spain’s deadliest rail disaster since 2013 and raised questions over the safety of its high-speed network.

While the latest crash also involves a Renfe train and one operated by private company Iryo, the circumstances appear different.

(This is a developing story.)