Spain train crash: local media report 10 people confirmed dead after high-speed collision

Crash between two towns

A Castilla-La Mancha government spokesperson said two carriages derailed. The cause and complete number of casualties were still under investigation. Adif said the Madrid-Andalusia high-speed rail line had been suspended after a rear-end collision between the trains.

Casualty figures differ

At least 39 people were reported killed, according to local authorities cited by Sky News. Regional spokesperson Esther Padilla had earlier said 10 people were confirmed dead. The reports give different casualty figures; the article does not explain the reason for the difference. The government spokesperson said the full toll was still being determined.

Survivor describes impact

Jesús Jerónimo, 54, said he was aboard the train to Seville and working on his laptop when he felt a strong acceleration and struck the seat ahead. He told El Pais that passengers were thrown from the train.

Jerónimo said his train was tilted and that many people were injured or shaken. He described helping emergency services by holding IV bags while firefighters worked in the most damaged section.

Officials respond to emergency

Mayor Manuel Galan of Urda, near Toledo, said emergency services had asked him to prepare a sports hall for injured people. Images shared on social media showed carriages on their sides in a ditch.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was in contact with the transport minister and Castilla-La Mancha’s president, and expressed support for victims and their families. His agenda was cleared for the day, while the opposition People's Party cancelled campaign events.