Two high-speed trains collided south of Madrid on Wednesday morning, months after the Adamuz train crash that killed dozens of people and shook Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.
At least 30 people died and several were injured in the crash, which took place near Urda in Toledo province just before 9 a.m. local time, local authorities in Castilla-La Mancha told Spanish media.
Officials fear the toll could exceed the 46 deaths in the Jan. 18 Adamuz crash, Spanish media reported, citing government sources. Emergency services said a Renfe train rear-ended a stationary Iryo train, causing two Iryo carriages to fall down an embankment. Both trains were traveling between Madrid and Seville.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “dismayed” by the accident and sent his “solidarity and support” to the victims and their families. He said emergency services were working at the scene to help those affected and ensure their safety.
Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the People’s Party said he was “very worried” about reports of a new rail accident and that the priority now was to help the victims and support their families.
The Adamuz accident drew sharp criticism of Sánchez’s government, with the PP accusing it of failing on rail safety and demanding that Transport Minister Óscar Puente answer for it. Sánchez, who stood by Puente, was later grilled in the Spanish parliament over the government’s response.