Toledo train crash: 69 dead

On the morning of 28 October near Urda (Toledo), a Renfe AVE train with 393 passengers ran into the back of a stationary Iryo train carrying 147. According to the Castilla-La Mancha government, as of 30 October 69 people have died, more than a hundred were injured and about 50 remain in hospital. A preliminary estimate by the state accident investigation body AITAT puts the impact speed at 160–200 km/h. The Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line is closed and no reopening date has been given.

The collision happened at 8:53 on the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line near Urda station. According to early information, the LZB safety system failed at around 8:30 and every train on the section stopped automatically. According to elDiario.es, which published recordings of the radio calls, the control centre at Atocha then allowed the AVE to continue at normal speed, although in that situation trains must proceed “on sight” at about 40 km/h; about 17 minutes passed before the crash. Transport minister Óscar Puente called the decision inexplicable but on 30 October refused to resign. Technical investigators and a court in Orgaz will establish the final causes.

By 30 October forensic experts in Toledo and Ciudad Real had carried out 65 post-mortems, and the Guardia Civil is identifying victims by fingerprints. Three people on the missing list have been found alive; 67 reports remain open, including some for foreign nationals. Renfe and Iryo have started paying advances to families: under EU rules at least €21,000 per person killed.

For Costa Blanca residents: Alicante–Madrid trains use a different line, but there is currently no high-speed rail link to Andalusia via Madrid. Renfe is carrying passengers by bus, according to Infobae at least until Tuesday 3 November; Ouigo is not selling tickets on the route until 2 November. Request refunds or date changes online from your operator.