Two high-speed trains—one operated by Renfe and the other by Iryo—collided this morning in Toledo, near the Urda station. The accident has triggered a rescue operation, and emergency services are currently working around the clock to assist the victims. The latest information provided by the authorities indicates that at least 68 people have died as a result of the crash, more than 50 people have been admitted to various hospitals in Castilla-La Mancha, and the number of injured stands at around 80.
The investigation into the causes remains open, and Adif has not yet identified the cause, but all signs point to human error at the Atocha control center. The AVE train rear-ended an Iryo train that was stopped on the tracks; two cars from the Iryo train and one from the AVE train fell down an embankment following the collision.
The Spanish government has declared three days of official mourning, and the Valencia City Council (along with other city councils across the country) will observe a minute of silence outside City Hall this evening at 8:00 p.m.
How it is affecting the rail network in Valencia
Due to the accident, train service has been suspended between Madrid and southern Spain, a key hub for all rail connections between Valencia and Andalusia.
However, Renfe operates only two trains connecting Valencia and Seville daily: the first, departing at 9:15 a.m. from Joaquín Sorolla Station, was halted in Cuenca, and the passengers returned to Valencia on another train; the second was scheduled to depart from Seville’s Santa Justa Station this afternoon at 4:44 p.m., but has been canceled because the route is impassable. The
Renfe has made ticket refunds or free exchanges available; these can be arranged online through the Renfe website, via its mobile app, or at the Customer Service Office at Joaquín Sorolla Station.
How to Help Without Hindering the Emergency Response
Renfe and Iryo have already activated their emergency protocols and victim assistance procedures, in addition to the coordinated efforts of regional and national institutions. The following phone numbers have been set up: 00 122 112, 900 10 10 20 (Renfe), and 655 28 69 75 (Iryo), and Madrid’s Atocha Station also has a psychosocial support center.
Here are the basic recommendations:
- Please do not call 112 to request information. This number is reserved for actual emergencies. If you are checking the status of a train or a reservation, please contact the carrier from which you purchased your ticket first.
- Do not share lists of those affected, private phone numbers, videos of unknown origin, or unverified requests for money. A screenshot or a forwarded message is not a reliable source.
- Do not share calls for blood donations attributing them to the accident unless they come from a health authority. As of this update, no specific request linked to the accident has been issued.
Blood drives in Valencia and other parts of Spain
Some autonomous communities have already asked the public to donate blood and have set up donation sites such as the Community of Madrid Blood Transfusion Center and the Toledo University Hospital.
The Valencian Regional Government has not yet launched any such operation, but this article will be updated as authorities release new confirmed information.
However, there are fixed blood donation sites operating every day, though they are not necessarily related to the Toledo train accident. These are the sites set up for today, Wednesday, October 28:
- Montserrat: City Hall – New Building – Masia San José (Council Chamber, ground floor), Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 51.
- Quart de Poblet: CIPFP Faitanar (Students and teachers only) – Gym (ground floor), C/ Xiquet de Quart, 5.
- Quart de Poblet: Bianna (Employees Only) – Dining Room (mezzanine), Colada d’Aragó St., no number.
- Quart de Poblet: CIPFP Faitanar (Students and teachers only) – Gym (ground floor), C/ Xiquet de Quart, 2.
- Valencia: C.V. Blood Transfusion Center – Donation Room (Free parking), Avda. del Cid, 65.
- Valencia: La Fe Hospital – Donation Ward (Inpatient Building), Avda. de Fernando Abril Martorell, 106.
- Valencia: Polytechnic University – Autobanco, Calle Central between Ágora and the Library.
- Valencia
- Valencia: Marina de Empresas (Students and employees only) – Autobanc, La Marina de Valencia (Muelle Aduana, s/n).
- Valencia: C.V. Blood Transfusion Center – Donation Room (Free parking), Avda. del Cid, 65.
- Valencia: Marina de Empresas (Students and employees only) – Autobanc, La Marina de València (Muelle de la Aduana, s/n).
- Valencia: Esclavas de María School – Classroom, 24 Ayora St.
- Valencia: Nuestra Señora del Carmen School – Classroom (ground floor), Avda. Burjassot, 150.
What You Need to Know Before Going to a Blood Donation Site
The basic requirements for donating are being between 18 and 65 years old, weighing more than 50 kilos, and being in good overall health. You must bring an official ID and not be on an empty stomach: it is recommended that you have eaten something and be well-hydrated. The final decision always rests with the medical staff, who conduct a brief interview and an assessment before the blood draw.
Donating blood takes about ten minutes, and the entire process, including the refreshment afterward, usually takes around twenty minutes. If you’ve had a recent infection, are taking medication, have traveled abroad, or have recently gotten a tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture treatment, you should consult with the medical team beforehand. The Blood Transfusion Center’s toll-free number for questions is 900 30 35 30.
