In Spain, shortly after 9:00 AM local time, two high-speed trains collided between Mora and Orgaz, located south of Madrid.
According to information released so far, the railway operator Adif stated that the accident involved a Renfe train and a train operated by the company ‘Aerio,’ which runs services between Madrid and Seville.
Adif reported that all trains operating on this route have been halted at various stations.
A spokesperson for the Spanish emergency services told AFP that all available resources are being deployed for rescue operations, including multiple fire brigade units, three helicopters, and two mobile intensive care units.
Speaking to Spanish media, the President of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano GarcÃa-Page, stated that the death toll from the train accident has risen to 68.
Many of the injured remain under treatment in hospitals, with dozens reported to be in critical condition.
Earlier, Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente—speaking to the media for the first time following the accident near Orgaz, south of Madrid—described the tragedy as “truly unbelievable.”
According to Puente, a computer malfunction had initially caused six moving trains to be brought to a halt; this included the two trains that subsequently collided. He explained, “When a malfunction occurs in the system, the control center takes charge of operations.” According to him, it was the control center that subsequently decided to resume train movements, and no speed restrictions were imposed during this time.
Puente stated that this decision was made under “incomprehensible circumstances.”
He added that it was as a result of this decision that the Renfe train collided with an Arriva train that was stationary on the track ahead.
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