Adif Halts Madrid-Andalusia Line After Collision Kills Ten

At least ten people died in a high-speed train collision in Toledo province on Wednesday morning. The crash occurred on the rail line connecting Madrid with Seville. Spain's state rail infrastructure authority, Adif, confirmed that services between Madrid and the southern region of Andalusia were suspended immediately after the impact.

Adif stated that the incident involved a rear-end collision between two trains. Esther Padilla, a spokesperson for the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha, told local media that officials had confirmed ten deaths. She warned that the final count could rise as rescue efforts continue. "The information we are receiving is not good at all," Padilla said. "There are at least 10 dead and it is possible that the number will increase."

TVE reported that a moving train struck the rear of another service. The impact pushed two carriages off the track. Footage from regional broadcaster Castilla La Mancha Television showed a derailed train with at least one carriage resting on an elevated section of track. Twisted metal and broken panels were scattered across the embankment below the line. Government sources told El Pais that the severity of the crash could exceed the Adamuz rail disaster in January, which killed 46 people.

Manuel Galan, the mayor of Urda, said emergency services asked him to prepare a local sports hall for injured passengers. The crash occurred while Spain's main political parties prepared for a general election scheduled for next month. Party leaders suspended their planned campaign activities for the day to respond to the emergency.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on X that he remained in constant contact with the transport minister and the president of Castilla-La Mancha. He said emergency teams were working on the ground to assist the affected individuals. Sanchez offered his support to the victims and their families. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the opposition People's Party, wrote on X that he was very concerned about the new rail accident. He stated that the priority was to attend to the victims and support their families. He pledged his full support to the emergency teams at the scene.