In brief
A high‑speed train struck a stationary train near Urda, Spain, on Oct. 28, 2026, killing 68 and injuring around 100. Among the wounded were two South Korean nationals, one discharged and another still hospitalized. Spanish officials have declared three days of mourning and investigations are underway into signalling and control failures.
A high‑speed train operated by Spain’s Renfe collided with a stationary Iryo train near Urda in the Toledo province on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The crash derailed two carriages and left at least 68 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to Spanish authorities.
Seoul’s foreign ministry confirmed that two South Korean citizens were aboard the trains. One passenger sustained minor injuries and was discharged from hospital after treatment, while the other remains hospitalized. The Korean government said its embassy was in close contact with local officials and continuing to monitor any additional casualties, as reported by Yonhap.
Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente said a rail‑control error allowed a train to depart despite a red signal, a decision that was described as a “clear and inexplicable error.” The incident has prompted investigations into signalling failures and possible negligence, per Al Jazeera and UPI coverage.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the scene and declared three days of official mourning from Oct. 29 to 31. “Spain is in mourning,” he said, and later added, “What is unacceptable for a country like Spain is to suffer two train accidents in the same year.”
“Today the whole of Spain is grieving,” Sanchez said.
In a separate statement, Spain’s King Felipe VI expressed sorrow for the families of the victims. Spanish authorities have suspended rail service between Madrid and Seville while rescue crews work the wreckage.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with Vice Presidents Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent messages of condolence to King Felipe VI and the Spanish people, as reported by WAM. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also offered condolences to the king and Spanish populace, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
