Rail Crash: 30 dead after rear-end collision on Madrid-Seville line

At least 30 people died when two high-speed trains collided on the Madrid-to-Seville line on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region told ABC News that the final number is expected to increase as rescue operations continue.

The accident happened at 8:30 a.m. local time near the town of Urda, specifically at kilometer marker 118 along the route between Mora, Orgaz, and Urda. Both the Renfe and Iryo trains were traveling south from Madrid when the impact occurred. Preliminary findings from authorities indicate the Renfe train hit the Iryo train from behind. This force caused two passenger coaches to leave the tracks.

The Iryo service, identified as train number 6076, was carrying 146 passengers, including one infant. The Renfe train had 397 people aboard. Spain’s Transport Ministry confirmed these passenger counts and the location of the crash. Iryo stated in a statement that it activated all emergency protocols and is coordinating with local officials to manage the aftermath.

Health Minister Monica Garcia said the central government is mobilizing resources to assist the regional authorities. “We are mobilizing all the resources at our disposal and coordinating with all the relevant institutions,” Garcia said. She noted she is working directly with the Castilla-La Mancha regional government to provide necessary support to emergency personnel on the ground.

All Iryo services departing from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station along the Southern Corridor have been canceled. The company has not provided a timeline for when regular service will resume. The disruption affects travel between Madrid and Seville until further notice.