At least 68 people were killed Wednesday when two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province, south of Madrid.
Reuter and BBC reported that dozens more were injured, including 15 people reported to be in serious condition. More than 500 passengers were travelling on the two trains.
The collision occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on the Madrid–Andalusia high- speed line. A Renfe train struck the rear of an Iryo train that had stopped after a reported computer or signalling failure. Several carriages derailed, with at least two falling down an embankment.
Rescue workers searched the wreckage for survivors and victims as ambulances, helicopters, police and civil-protection teams converged on the scene. Hospitals activated emergency plans, while local authorities prepared a sports hall to receive injured passengers.
The disaster also brought the World Summit on Obesity in Madrid to a halt. In a statement, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the summit’s formal event was cancelled out of respect for those who died and for their families.
“We came to Madrid this week as partners in the World Summit on Obesity, to talk about health, and how we can help people everywhere live longer, fuller lives,” Tedros said.
“This morning, that purpose was tragically overshadowed by a terrible train accident south of this city that has taken many lives.”
He added: “To everyone who has lost someone they love this morning: our hearts are with you. We grieve with you.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning and said Spain would investigate whether any safety failures or negligence contributed to the crash.
The country’s political parties suspended election campaigning, while residents queued in Madrid to donate blood.
The crash is Spain’s second major high-speed rail disaster this year, following a January collision that killed 46 people near Adamuz in Córdoba province.