Spain Train Crash Death Toll Rises To 64, Authorities Fear More Fatalities

A spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region confirmed the fatalities to ABC News following the collision near Urda at about 8:30 a.m. local time.

At least 64 people have been killed after two trains collided on Spain’s Madrid-Seville high-speed line, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise.

A spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region confirmed the fatalities to ABC News following the collision near Urda at about 8:30 a.m. local time.

The accident involved a Renfe train and an Iryo train, both travelling from Madrid to Seville, according to Spain’s Transport Ministry.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the Renfe train likely struck the Iryo train from behind, causing two coaches to derail.

The Iryo train was carrying 146 passengers, including a baby, while the Renfe train had 397 passengers on board, the ministry said.

In a statement, Iryo confirmed that its service 6076, travelling from Madrid to Seville, was involved in the accident near Urda. The company said it had activated its emergency protocols and was working with authorities to respond to the incident.

Following the collision, all Iryo services departing from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and operating along the Southern Corridor were cancelled. The company said it could not provide a timeline for the resumption of services.

Spain’s Health Minister, Monica Garcia, said the government was mobilising resources and coordinating with relevant institutions to respond to the crash.

“We are mobilizing all the resources at our disposal and coordinating with all the relevant institutions,” Garcia said.

“I’m working with the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha to provide any resources it may need. My full support and gratitude go to the emergency personnel dispatched to the area.”

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS