Urda high-speed train collision deepens Spain's AVE rail crisis

On 28 October 2026, a Renfe AVE high-speed train ran into the back of a stationary Iryo train on the Madrid–Andalusia line near Urda, in Toledo province. More than 60 people died and dozens were injured, according to Spanish media reports. Early official estimates put the speed at impact between 160 and 200 km/h.

Reports said a computer fault had disabled the LZB train-protection system and halted several trains. The control centre of Adif, the state rail infrastructure manager, then allowed a train to resume running. Investigators were still examining why, and the causes had not been established a week later.

The crash came less than a year after the deadly Adamuz accident in Córdoba province in January 2026, making it Spain's second major high-speed tragedy in a short time. Services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended for an extended period, and the government announced an extraordinary safety plan. Companies and travellers cut back on train travel, and airlines added capacity on routes the AVE normally serves, which set the stage for new offers such as Volotea's Barcelona–Madrid flights.