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Deadly train accident in Spain: The Church joins in grief

Confirmed

Faith Desk

In Short: At least 68 people died and over 100 were injured when two high-speed trains collided near Urda, a town in the province of Toledo, Spain, on Wednesday morning.

New details emerge on what caused deadly Spain train crash
YouTube — NBC News

The collision occurred around 9:00 AM local time, about 140 kilometers (100 miles) south of Madrid, involving a Renfe-managed train with 397 passengers and an Iryo-managed train with 146 passengers, including one baby.

The Spanish bishops' conference expressed condolences and closeness to the families of the victims, praying for the eternal rest of the deceased and the recovery of the injured.

YouTube — NBC News YouTube

The bishops called for prayers for all the victims, seeking the intercession of Our Lady and commending to God “all those involved in emergency response efforts, those caring for the injured, and those providing support to the families of the victims.”

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) suspended all 24 Copa del Rey first-round matches scheduled for Wednesday as a show of respect and solidarity with the victims.

Carlos Alcaraz, the seven-time major-winning Spanish tennis player, also expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene joined European royals in expressing their condolences following the devastating train collision.

The collision occurred on Wednesday morning and involved two high-speed trains in Toledo province around 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Madrid.

The two trains that collided in the proximity of the old Spanish capital were carrying a total of 544 people on board.

A passenger, Miguel, told Spain’s COPE radio that he heard a massive roar and a thud that lasted for 10 seconds, as if the train were about to derail.

A resident told Kathimerini that they heard a tremendous bang and immediately saw thick black smoke.

The regional government spokesperson, Esther Padilla, warned that the death toll could rise, as the information they were receiving was not good.

The Spanish bishops' conference also expressed its concern and closeness to all those affected, assuring that they are offering prayers for those who have been injured and for all those going through moments of distress and uncertainty as a result of this accident.

What this adds

The collision occurred on Wednesday morning and involved two high-speed trains in Toledo province around 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Madrid.

More than 500 people were traveling on the two trains, according to the report.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

Sources