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At least 68 people have died, and 58 are receiving hospital treatment after two high-speed trains collided in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday, 28 October, as rescue operations continue, Cape {town} Etc reports.

The revised toll, confirmed by regional authorities and reported by the Associated Press, updates the 64 deaths reported in Cape {town} Etc’s earlier coverage.

The crash happened near Urda, south of Madrid, when a Renfe train struck the rear of a stationary Iryo service travelling along the Madrid-to-Seville route. The impact derailed carriages from both trains. Authorities said 397 passengers were aboard the Renfe train and 147 on the Iryo service, according to AP.

Spain declares national mourning as investigation continues

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced three days of national mourning, saying, ‘Today all of Spain is grieving.’ The collision is the country’s second deadly high-speed rail crash this year, following a January accident that killed 46 people.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente said a computer malfunction affected a safety system before a central command centre authorised the Renfe train to move again, according to the Associated Press report. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Rail services remain disrupted

The rail operator ADIF confirmed that high-speed services on the Madrid-Andalusia line were suspended after the collision. Renfe said it was preparing alternative transport arrangements for passengers while the disruption continues.

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Spain high-speed train crash claims 64 lives

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