Head-on crash kills 30 on Madrid line
Two trains collided near Urda Tuesday morning, derailing coaches and canceling all southbound service from Madrid.
By Kevin Sanders ·
At least 30 people died when two high-speed trains collided near Urda, Spain, on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region said the death toll is expected to rise.
The accident occurred at 8:30 a.m. local time at kilometer marker 118 on the Madrid to Seville corridor. Both the Renfe and Iryo trains were traveling southbound from Madrid. Authorities believe the Renfe train struck the Iryo train from behind, causing two coaches to derail.
The Transport Ministry stated the Iryo train carried 146 passengers, including one infant. The Renfe train had 397 passengers on board. The collision took place near the towns of Mora, Orgaz, and Urda.
Health Minister Monica Garcia said the government is mobilizing all available resources. She confirmed coordination with the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha to provide necessary support. Garcia expressed gratitude to emergency personnel dispatched to the area.
Iryo identified the involved service as number 6076. The company said it activated emergency protocols and is working with authorities. All Iryo services departing from Madrid Puerta de Atocha along the Southern Corridor are currently canceled. The company has not provided an estimate for when service will resume.
The Transport Ministry is leading a preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash. Local officials continue to assess the damage at the site.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
