Spain, collision between high-speed trains on the Madrid-Andalusia line. Dozens dead

The possible dynamics

The collision occurred at kilometer 119+700 of the Madrid-Seville high-speed line, in the Urda area (Toledo), near an Adif train depot and marshalling yard. This is the second very serious accident in 10 months on the Spanish high-speed line. The accident occurred at 8.54am and firefighters from the Alcàzar de San Juan and Orgaz stations, the Civil Protection of several neighboring cities, three rescue helicopters and two intensive care units intervened on the scene.

Although the circumstances of the accident are still unclear, sources close to the matter indicate that the Iryo train was traveling from Madrid to Seville. Another Renfe train, presumably a Siemens, coming from behind the Iryo and also heading to Seville, hit him. It is not yet known what prevented the Renfe AVE train from braking in time, whether it was a fault in the signaling system or a driver's error. At least three carriages - number one, number two and number three - derailed. The EFE agency reports that two carriages fell down an embankment.

In-depth analysis

Because the number of train accidents is increasing in Spain

Parties suspend election campaigns

The Spanish parties have suspended their electoral campaign initiatives following the very serious train accident. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez canceled his commitments. Sanchez's office has not yet confirmed whether the prime minister will travel to the site of the accident today, but Transport Minister Oscar Puente is already on his way to Toledo. The People's Party has announced the suspension of all electoral campaign events scheduled for the November 29 elections. The Frente Amplio also announced in a statement the suspension of all its events and media appearances.