46 killed in collision between two high-speed trains in Spain

MADRID: At least 46 people have been killed and many others injured in a collision between two high-speed trains in Spain’s central Toledo province. Rail services connecting Madrid with Ciudad Real and Andalusia have been suspended following the accident, as local authorities fear the death toll could rise further.

The accident occurred at around 9am local time on Wednesday, 28 October, between the towns of Mora and Orgaz in Toledo province.

Adif, Spain’s railway infrastructure operator, confirmed the accident but did not immediately provide further details.

Spanish public broadcaster TVE reported that the two trains were travelling on the same track when one train struck the other from behind at high speed. Two carriages were derailed in the collision.

A total of 544 passengers were on board the two trains at the time of the accident. Rescue operations began at the scene shortly after the collision, with injured passengers taken to hospitals for treatment.

Given the severity of the accident, local authorities fear the number of casualties could increase.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. Several Spanish media outlets reported that at least 46 people had died.

Describing the horrifying moments, 54-year-old passenger Jesus Geronimo said passengers were thrown out of the train during the collision.

“At first, we thought the train had derailed. Gradually, we got out and saw that our train had tilted to one side. There were many injured people, and many were trembling with fear,” he said.

Rail services between Madrid and Ciudad Real and Andalusia remain suspended. Authorities will decide when to resume services after investigating the cause of the accident and assessing the condition of the damaged railway line.