At least 64 people have died and 80 others are receiving treatment following a collision involving two high-speed trains in Toledo, Spain.
According to Sky News, authorities in the Castilla-La Mancha region confirmed the updated death toll on Wednesday, October 28, as emergency responders continued rescue operations.
The accident occurred near Urda at approximately 8:54 a.m. local time, disrupting services between Madrid and southern Spain.
The collision involved a Renfe train and another operated by Iryo, with more than 500 passengers aboard the two trains.
Spain train crash triggers emergency response
Spanish broadcaster RTVE reported that a Renfe train carrying 393 passengers struck an Iryo train carrying 147 passengers.
The Iryo train had reportedly stopped on the track before the collision.
Two carriages derailed and fell down an embankment, prompting a major emergency operation involving firefighters, police officers and medical personnel.
Earlier, government spokesperson Esther Padilla warned that the death toll could increase as rescue teams assessed the wreckage.
“The information we are receiving is not good at all. There are at least 10 dead and it is possible that the number will increase,” she said before authorities released the updated figures.
Investigators examine possible signalling failure
Spanish authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, including a possible signalling failure.
Preliminary reports indicate that the main signalling system had developed a fault, requiring trains to operate under an alternative arrangement.
However, officials have not confirmed the cause of the crash.
Rail infrastructure company ADIF suspended high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia following the accident.
Spanish football authorities also postponed scheduled Copa del Rey matches as a mark of respect for the victims.
Emergency services continue rescue operations, while authorities have established centres to assist families searching for information about their loved ones.
