By Elvira Jordan
Dozens of people are feared dead following a collision involving two high-speed trains south of the Spanish capital, Madrid, in a major rail accident that has triggered an emergency response.
More than 500 passengers were travelling on the trains involved, and officials have warned that the initial death toll of 10 is likely to rise as rescue operations continue and authorities assess the full extent of the disaster.
A spokesperson for the regional government said the number of fatalities would “almost certainly rise,” raising fears that the accident could become one of Spain’s most serious railway disasters.
Rail infrastructure operator Adif confirmed that the incident involved a train operated by Renfe and another belonging to Iryo, a company that operates high-speed services, including the Madrid-to-Seville route.
The collision occurred south of Madrid, although further details about the precise circumstances of the crash were not immediately available in the initial reports.
Emergency services are expected to focus on rescuing survivors, assisting the injured and determining the number of people affected.
Prime Minister reacts
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “shocked by the serious train accident” and confirmed that he was in constant contact with the country’s transport minister.
The government is monitoring developments as officials work to establish what caused the collision and determine the scale of the casualties.
Further information about the response and any measures affecting rail services is expected as the investigation progresses.
‘It was a catastrophe’
A 17-year-old passenger who was travelling on one of the trains described the scene as chaotic in an interview with a Spanish broadcaster.
“It was a catastrophe,” the teenager said, describing the confusion and disorder following the collision.
The account provides an early glimpse into the experience of passengers caught up in the incident, as emergency responders work to assist those affected.
Several key questions remain unanswered, including the precise cause of the collision, the final number of fatalities and injuries, and the circumstances that led to the two trains colliding.
Authorities will also need to establish the sequence of events before the crash and whether any technical or operational factors contributed to the disaster.
As rescue efforts and investigations continue, the situation remains fluid, and the casualty figures may change as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. The information in this report reflects the initial details provided and should be updated as authorities release further confirmed information.
