68 people killed in high-speed train collision near Toledo, Spain. Two trains collided on a flat stretch, causing at least 50 injuries. Spain's transport minister said one train continued past a red signal despite a technical failure.
The crash occurred near Urda, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, on Wednesday. A Renfe train was ordered to continue despite a red signal, leading to a collision with a stationary Iryo train. At least 68 dead, with 50 injured. Officials say the accident is under investigation.
Spain's high-speed rail network, the largest in Europe, has faced two fatal collisions this year. The latest incident follows a derailment near Adamuz in January that killed 46. Investigators point to track defects as a possible cause, but seven other theories remain open.
The crash has prompted a suspension of Spanish football matches as a sign of respect. Civil protection authorities have prepared a sports pavilion to assist injured passengers. Emergency services are focused on rescuing survivors and bodies from the most damaged cars.