Spain train accident: 46 dead after two high-speed trains collide in Toledo, local media reports | Top updates

A Renfe train and an Iryo train collided shortly after 9 am (0800 GMT), causing two Iryo carriages to derail, a government spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region.

At least 46 people were killed after two high-speed trains collided in central Spain, Spanish media outlet ABC reported. The collision occurred on Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo. Rail services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia have been suspended until further notice.

"Traffic on the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line has been suspended following a rear-end collision between two trains," Spain’s rail infrastructure operator, Adif, said in a message posted on X.

Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, confirmed that 147 people were travelling on the Iryo train, while the Renfe AVE train was carrying 397 passengers.

Video footage broadcast by regional channel Castilla-La Mancha Television showed a derailed train, with at least one carriage still perched on an elevated stretch of track. Debris, including mangled metal and shattered panels, was scattered down the embankment below the railway line.

Spanish public broadcaster TVE reported that the accident involved two high-speed trains travelling in the same direction. One train reportedly crashed into the rear of the other, causing two carriages to derail.

Was human error responsible for the train collision?

Sources in Spain’s Transport Ministry told ABC that human error may have caused the accident. An employee of state-owned railway infrastructure operator Adif, who was reportedly working to repair a fault in the main signalling system, is suspected of failing to warn the Renfe AVE train about the Iryo train ahead.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is seeking re-election next month, expressed shock over the train collision.

In a post on X, he said, “Shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo. I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha.”

"Emergency services are working on the ground to assist those affected and ensure their safety, in coordination with all the involved administrations," he wrote.

The latest collision occurred nine months after a separate accident involving high-speed trains operated by the same companies on the same railway line claimed 46 lives.

The January crash took place near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba, when a train derailed and collided with an oncoming train. The incident raised questions about whether sufficient funds had been allocated to railway maintenance in recent years.

About the Author

Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.