In brief
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a three‑day national mourning period following a high‑speed train collision near Urda that left 68 dead and about 100 injured. The crash also involved two South Korean passengers, one minor injuries, one hospitalized, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Oct. 28 that the country would enter a three‑day period of national mourning after a high‑speed train collided with a stationary train near the town of Urda in Toledo province, killing at least 68 people. He said the tragedy was one of the worst rail disasters in Europe’s recent history.
“Today the whole of Spain is grieving,” Sánchez said, speaking at the crash site.
The collision occurred on a Madrid‑Seville line when an AVE train operated by Renfe ran into the rear of an Iryo high‑speed carriage that had stopped on the track. Official figures report about 80 people were injured, with roughly 50 serious cases and 15 critical, according to Al Jazeera and Spanish authorities.
South Korea’s foreign ministry confirmed that two South Korean nationals were aboard one of the trains involved. One passenger sustained minor injuries and was discharged from hospital after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized, the ministry said, citing contact with Korean consular services.
Spanish transport officials say a computer‑controlled signalling error allowed the following train to depart despite a red signal, though investigations are still underway. The incident is the second major fatal high‑speed train crash in Spain this year.
In related international reactions, the UAE president and other Arab leaders sent messages of condolence to King Felipe VI and the families of victims, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered similar sympathy. The reactions are part of a broader diplomatic outreach following the tragedy.
