Two trains, an AVE from the public company Renfe and a convoy from the private operator Iryo, collided this Wednesday, October 28 at 8:54 a.m. near Urda, in the province of Toledo, south of Madrid. The first report relayed by local authorities reported at least 31 dead and 80 injured, a provisional figure likely to be revised upwards. The accident led to the interruption of traffic on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed line. It comes a little over nine months after the Adamuz disaster, which left 46 dead on January 18.
The circumstances of this new collision remain to be established. Several Spanish media are putting forward initial hypotheses, but no investigation conclusions allow, at this stage, to determine the causes of the accident. After the accidents that occurred in 2026, this new episode revives questions about the functioning of the Spanish rail network. What's happening on the tracks? Elements of understanding, without prejudging the conclusions of current investigations.
2013, a trauma still present
To understand the emotion aroused by this new incident, after those that occurred at the beginning of the year, we must go back to the summer of 2013, when the derailment of a high-speed train at the entrance to Santiago de Compostela caused the death of 79 people. The investigation then concluded that there had been human error, the driver having approached a curve at a greatly excessive speed, in a transition zone between high-speed line and conventional network. This tragedy opened a vast debate on safety systems, signaling and the responsibility of the railway authorities.
Following this accident, protocols were strengthened, certain automatic systems generalized and rail governance largely revised. It is this precedent, still very present in memories, which partly explains the current sensitivity around recent incidents.
One of the most developed networks in Europe
With nearly 4,000 kilometers of high-speed lines, Spain has the largest AVE network in Europe, ahead of France. For two decades, the country has invested massively in rail to connect Madrid to major regional cities - Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Malaga and Alicante.
Unlike France, Spain has to deal with two rail gauges: the classic network, inherited from the 19th century, and the high-speed network, built to European standards. A particularity which complicates network management, without being involved in recent incidents. This very modern network, however, coexists with a dense regional network, sometimes older, particularly around large cities. A configuration common to many European countries.
Who does what on Spanish rail?
The operation of the system relies on several clearly identified actors. Renfe, the historic public operator, operates the majority of passenger trains, both main lines and regional services.
Since the opening to competition, other companies have been operating on the high-speed network, such as Iryo, Ouigo Spain or Avlo. They operate the trains, but do not own the infrastructure. These fall under Adif, a public body responsible for tracks, signaling, switches and network maintenance – the Spanish equivalent of SNCF Réseau.
Practical advice for tourists
Before departure, a few simple precautions allow you to travel more peacefully. As everywhere, it is recommended to consult the status of rail traffic on the same day. In Spain, the official websites of Renfe and infrastructure manager Adif broadcast real-time information on delays, cancellations or works affecting the lines. Downloading the application of the operator concerned – Renfe or private company – also allows you to receive instant notifications on timetables, platforms or possible traffic changes.
During a journey involving a connection, it is better to allow sufficient time to absorb a possible delay without compromising the rest of the journey. Even for short trips, labeling your luggage with your coordinates can also make it easier to return in the event of confusion or a change of train.
During the trip, it is advisable to keep your ticket until you arrive at your destination. This document remains essential in the event of a complaint, request for compensation or recourse to insurance. In the event of a significant delay, a certificate can be requested from station staff or directly via the operator's application.
Finally, foreign tourists benefit from the same rights as Spanish passengers. European regulations provide in particular for assistance, support and compensation systems in the event of prolonged traffic disruption, depending on the duration of the delay and the conditions of the trip.
For the Spanish authorities, the issue now goes beyond just the technical investigation: it is also about preserving confidence in a mode of transport that has become central to the country's internal mobility - and widely used by the French.
