In brief
A high‑speed train slammed into a stationary train near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province, killing 68 people and injuring about 80. Among the injured were two South Korean nationals, one of whom was discharged after minor injuries while the other remains hospitalized. Spanish officials have opened investigations into a possible rail‑control error and declared three days of national mourning.
A high‑speed train collision near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday claimed at least 68 lives and left dozens more wounded, including two South Korean nationals. The crash happened when a Renfe AVE train travelling from Madrid to Seville struck the rear of an Iryo train that had stopped on the tracks.
The Korea foreign ministry confirmed that one of the two injured passengers had minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital, while the other remains hospitalized. The ministry said it is keeping close contact with local authorities and monitoring for any additional Korean casualties. Spanish authorities are investigating the exact cause of the crash, citing a possible computer failure that allowed the moving train to depart despite a red signal.
Investigation and Mourning
Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the collision resulted from a control‑center decision that cleared the following train to move when a red light was still active. He called the decision “inexplicable.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning from October 29 to 31, saying his government would "get to the bottom of this" and that any negligence would be revealed. Pedro Sánchez added:
Today the whole of Spain is grieving.
International Condolences
Foreign leaders—including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—sent condolences to King Felipe VI and the families of the victims, wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
The incident has drawn attention to Spain’s rail safety, following a previous fatal crash in January that prompted promises of safety checks. Rescue teams are still combing the wreckage, and investigators have called for stricter safety measures across the rail network.
