Two Trains Crash in Spain, 68 Dead

Two trains collided near Mora and Orgaz, south of Madrid, shortly after 09:00 local time on Wednesday. The incident occurred between a Renfe train and an Iryo train operating on the Madrid to Seville route.

Rail operator Adif confirmed the crash involved a high-speed train traveling from Madrid to the south, which collided with another train that was reportedly stationary. At least two train carriages fell off an embankment as a result.

Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente stated that a computer failure initially halted six moving trains, including the two that crashed. The control center later allowed the trains to proceed without speed restrictions, which he described as an 'inexplicable' decision.

A passenger on board one of the trains reported a heavy impact about 40 minutes into the journey. Iryo, the operator of one of the trains, said its train was struck from behind by a Renfe train, with the cause still unknown.

Esther Padilla, a regional government spokesperson, reported that one train carried 146 passengers and a baby, while the other had 397 passengers. A former government minister was also among those reported missing.

Spanish authorities confirmed 80 people are being treated for injuries, with 50 in serious condition and 15 in critical condition. The government has suspended all public engagements, including political campaigns, and declared three days of official mourning starting Thursday.

Spain's royal family expressed shock and condolences, while the EU offered assistance. Emergency services and hospitals are handling the aftermath, with some facilities suspending non-urgent procedures.