At least 30 people have been reported dead after two high-speed trains collided near Urda, south of Madrid, triggering a major emergency response and fears that the death toll could rise further.

The crash occurred shortly after 9am local time between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz, in Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region. More than 500 passengers were aboard the two trains, operated by private rail company Iryo and state-run Renfe.

Regional government sources confirmed the rising death toll to Spanish media as firefighters, paramedics and rescue teams worked through the wreckage. Several carriages derailed, with some reportedly tumbling down an embankment.

The full circumstances of the collision remain unclear. Spanish broadcaster RTVE, citing the Transport Ministry, reported that a Renfe train struck the rear of an Iryo train, causing two carriages to derail. Reports suggest the Iryo train may have been stationary, but authorities had yet to confirm the sequence of events.

Passengers describe scenes of panic

Survivors described a frightening scene as passengers struggled to escape the damaged carriages.

Eduarda, a 17-year-old passenger, told Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER that the crash left people trapped amid screams and confusion.

“A lot of people couldn't get out. I heard screams... It was horrific,” she said.

Emergency services deployed firefighters, helicopters, ambulances and mobile intensive care units to the site. Hospitals in Toledo, Ciudad Real and Alcázar de San Juan reportedly suspended planned operations to accommodate casualties.

Blood donation centres in Madrid and Toledo also appealed for urgent donations as medical teams prepared for a possible increase in demand.

Cause of collision under investigation

Authorities had not established the cause of the crash. Early reports raised concerns about a possible signalling or safety-system failure, but these claims had not been confirmed by an official investigation.

Rail operator Renfe suspended services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia. A helpline was also established to assist relatives seeking information about passengers.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked by the accident and expressed his support for those affected.

“I remain in constant contact with the Minister of Transport, and with the president of Castilla-La Mancha,” Sánchez said in a post on X, adding that emergency services were working to assist victims and protect those at the scene.

The collision has renewed concerns about rail safety in Spain, which suffered another deadly train disaster in January when a collision near Adamuz killed 46 people.

Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the latest crash as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Editorial note: This rewrite is based on the supplied report. The death toll and suspected cause are developing details and should be checked against the latest official statements before publication.