In brief
A high‑speed rail collision near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province demolished part of the line, killing at least 68 people and leaving two South Korean nationals injured—one with minor wounds, the other still hospitalized. The Korean foreign ministry confirmed the injuries and is monitoring other potential casualties, while Spanish officials investigate a possible computer control error. Madrid’s prime minister declared three days of national mourning.
A high‑speed train collision near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province on Wednesday resulted in at least 68 deaths and left two South Korean nationals injured, according to Seoul’s foreign ministry.
The Korea foreign ministry said one of the two overseas passengers sustained minor injuries and was discharged after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized. “Our embassy in Spain is maintaining close contact with local authorities and continuing to check for any additional Korean casualties,” the ministry added.
Both trains involved were AVE services operated by Spain’s state‑owned Renfe, with the second contact involving a private Iryo high‑speed carriage. Spanish authorities are investigating the exact cause of the collision, with reports pointing to a potential rail control error. Spain’s transport minister later cited a computer failure that allowed the departing train to run at full speed over a red signal, leading to a rear‑end impact.
Spanish officials declared an official mourning period of three days.
"Today the whole of Spain is grieving,"
said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the crash site.
Earlier this week, the UAE president and two vice presidents sent condolences to King Felipe VI, expressing sympathy for the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
