Renfe Train Strikes Stationary Iryo Service, Killing 30

A high-speed Renfe train rear-ended a stationary Iryo service on Wednesday morning, killing at least 30 people and halting all rail traffic between Madrid and Andalusia. The crash occurred just after 09:00 local time between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz, located 140km south of the capital.

The incident involved a Renfe train traveling from Madrid to the south of Spain and an Iryo train that was stopped on the tracks. The impact caused at least two carriages to fall down an embankment. RTVE, quoting the transport ministry, confirmed that the moving Renfe vehicle struck the stationary Iryo service. More than 500 people were on board both trains at the time of the collision.

Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, provided specific passenger counts to TVE. The Iryo service carried 146 passengers and one baby. The Renfe train carried 397 passengers. Emiliano García-Page, president of Castilla-La Mancha, confirmed the death toll at 30 while warning that the number could rise as rescue operations continue.

Adif, Spain's state railway infrastructure manager, stopped all train traffic on the line. Renfe suspended services between Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Andalusia. A passenger on one of the trains told local media the impact occurred about 40 minutes into the journey. The cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed, though initial reports indicate a moving train hit a stopped one.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked by the accident in Toledo. He stated on X that he was in constant contact with the Minister of Transport and the regional president. Sánchez noted that emergency services were assisting those affected in coordination with local administrations. He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

Sánchez and other Spanish politicians canceled all public engagements on Wednesday. This included campaign events for the parliamentary elections scheduled for next month. Spain's royal family posted on X that they were shocked and concerned, offering condolences to the relatives of the deceased. An EU spokesperson said the bloc was ready to assist Spain if needed.

A major emergency response is underway at the scene with fire crews and helicopters. Hospitals in the area have suspended planned surgeries to handle the influx of patients. The Madrid blood transfusion center appealed for urgent donations, citing a possible sudden increase in care needs. Facilities in Toledo, Ciudad Real, and Alcázar de San Juan have canceled procedures as casualties arrive.

This is the second high-speed rail tragedy in Spain this year. In January, a high-speed train derailed in southern Spain. Its rear carriages entered the path of a state-run Renfe train, killing 46 people.