Collision between high-speed trains in Spain, dozens killed and injured in the accident. PHOTO

THE ACCIDENT

This morning on the high-speed line between Madrid and Andalusia near Toledo a collision occurred between two passenger trains. The balance of the people involved and the dynamics of the impact are uncertain.

WHEN THE ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED

The first reconstructions, reported by the newspaper El País, place the clash between Los Yébenes and Urda, in the province of Toledo, in Castile-La Mancha. The accident occurred shortly after 9am and involved a Renfe train, which left the capital at 8am and headed for Seville, and a convoy of the private company Iryo.

THE FIRST IMAGES

Scenes broadcast by public broadcaster TVE show at least two carriages ending up on an embankment after the impact. The collision would have occurred at kilometer 118 of the railway line, in the Toledo area. The 112 emergency services, cited by the Europa Press agency, confirmed the fall of the carriages.

HOSPITALS ALERTED

The seriousness of the incident was also reported by government sources to Cadena SER. The authorities have alerted the mayors and hospital facilities in the province of Toledo, arranging for the activation of emergency services.

SAFETY IN SPAIN

The new accident brings attention to the safety of Spanish high-speed rail, after the serious railway collision that occurred on 18 January in the province of Cordoba, along the same route between Madrid and Seville. On that occasion, the collision between a Renfe Alvia train and an Iryo convoy caused 45 deaths and 123 injuries.

SANCHEZ'S MESSAGE

"Dismayed by the serious train accident in Toledo. I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport Oscar Puente and the President of Castile La Mancha. The emergency services are working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure safety, in coordination with all the administrations involved", wrote Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on X, who expressed "affection, solidarity and support for all the victims and their families"

CANDIDATES STOP THEIR CAMPAIGN

Following the accident, the prime minister canceled the appointments scheduled on the agenda. A similar decision was made by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, who canceled the commitments scheduled for the day as part of the pre-election campaign in view of the general elections on 29 November.