“I feel deeply sorry for the families and for everyone affected,” said the leader of this autonomous community in central Spain, noting that the search for victims at the scene of the disaster is still ongoing.

A violent collision between an AVE 2080 train and an Iryo 6076 train occurred at 08:45 local time. According to official sources, the AVE 2080—which had departed from Madrid bound for Seville—struck the Iryo 6076, which was traveling ahead of it, causing a derailment.

The last two carriages of the Iryo train left the tracks. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has taken charge of the situation in Urda, deploying around 100 personnel to assist in the emergency response, the Ministry of Defense confirmed; the Civil Guard’s Major Disaster Response Team is also on-site.

Minister of Transport Oscar Puente arrived at the Atocha station in Madrid, where the signaling systems and all data regarding the cause of the accident are being monitored. Meanwhile, Minister of Health Monica Garcia—who, like the rest of the government, suspended all official engagements due to the severity of the incident, which occurred between Mora and Urda (Toledo)—remarked to the radio network SER that “the images reveal a major impact, and therefore, a tragedy…”

Dr. Garcia stated that she has already been in contact with the regional governments of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, as well as their respective regional health ministers, to offer any necessary resources.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke with King Felipe VI shortly after both had suspended their scheduled activities for the day, and both expressed their sorrow and condolences regarding the event.

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