At least 30 people have died following a collision between two high-speed trains on Spain’s busy Madrid-Seville line, with authorities warning the death toll is expected to increase. The incident occurred near the towns of Mora, Orgaz, and Urda.

The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. local time on October 28, 2026, at kilometer marker 118. The two trains involved were operated by Renfe and Iryo, both traveling southbound from Madrid to Seville. This route is a critical artery for high-speed rail travel in Spain, connecting the capital with major southern cities.

Preliminary investigations suggest the Renfe train may have struck the Iryo train from behind, leading to two coaches derailing. The Iryo train was carrying 146 passengers, including one infant, while the Renfe train had a significantly larger load of 397 passengers, according to the Spanish Transport Ministry. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The collision has caused widespread disruption to rail services. All Iryo services operating from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha along the Southern Corridor have been suspended indefinitely, with the company unable to provide an estimated time for service resumption. The incident raises immediate questions about safety protocols on Spain's extensive high-speed rail network.

Spain's Health Minister, Monica Garcia, stated that the government is actively mobilizing resources and coordinating with regional authorities to manage the response. "We are mobilizing all the resources at our disposal and coordinating with all the relevant institutions," Garcia said in a statement. "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."

The Madrid-Seville high-speed line, known as AVE, was one of Europe's first dedicated high-speed rail corridors, inaugurated in 1992. It has since undergone several expansions and upgrades, becoming a symbol of Spain's investment in modern infrastructure. The country boasts one of the longest high-speed rail networks globally.

Iryo, a newer operator on the Spanish rail scene, launched its services in November 2022, competing with the state-owned Renfe on key routes. The company confirmed its service 6076 was involved and stated it had enacted its emergency protocols, cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Officials are working to determine the precise cause of the collision, with factors such as signaling, human error, or potential track maintenance issues likely to be scrutinized. The full extent of injuries is still being assessed, with hospitals in the surrounding region reportedly on alert to receive casualties.