In brief
A deadly high‑speed train collision near Urda in Toledo Province prompted the WHO to cancel a key summit event in Madrid. Spanish officials, led by Health Minister Monica Garcia, called for blood donations and expressed deep condolences. The Royal Spanish Football Federation also postponed its Copa del Rey matches in respect for the victims.
The World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that it would postpone a high‑level session of the 2026 Madrid Global Obesity Summit after a collision between two high‑speed trains near Urda in central Spain left dozens dead and many injured.
According to Xinhua, the trains collided in the province of Toledo, about 120 kilometres south of Madrid, creating a major tragedy that overwhelmed local rescue services and resulted in dozens of fatalities and numerous injuries.
Xinhua reported that Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia described the incident as a “major tragedy” and urged the public to donate blood, while Pedro Gullon, director‑general of Public Health at the Spanish Ministry of Health, announced the cancellation of Wednesday’s high‑level session and noted the government’s suspension of official activities for the day.
The WHO’s Director‑General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed deepest condolences to the victims and their families, saying the postponement was made “out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the government and people of Spain.” He added that a new date would be announced in due course.
‑ “Out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the government and people of Spain, we have decided to postpone today's event,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Xinhua also noted that the Royal Spanish Football Federation announced the postponement of all 24 Copa del Rey first‑round matches scheduled for Wednesday as a mark of respect for those affected by the tragedy.
