October 28, 2026 — Two high-speed passenger trains collided early Wednesday near Urda, in Spain’s Toledo province. The crash left dozens dead and shut the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line. It happened on the eve of a nationwide Renfe train drivers’ strike, which the drivers’ union said it would decide within hours whether to hold or postpone.
The collision
- What happened: According to EFE, citing the 112 emergency service, a Renfe AVE (train 2080) and an Iryo train (6076) collided near Urda station early on Wednesday, October 28, and two cars fell down an embankment. ABC News reported that both trains were running on the Madrid–Seville route.
- Casualties: The death toll climbed through the day and reports differed. EFE (via Infobae) put it at at least 30 dead, and Rus Tourism News said some reports cited 46. No final official toll had been confirmed when this was written.
- Cause: Under investigation. One report said a stopped Iryo train was hit from behind by a Renfe AVE, but no official cause has been announced.
Rail lines closed
At 09:43 the infrastructure manager Adif suspended high-speed traffic between Madrid and Andalusia. The suspension covers services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia, including Madrid–Seville, Madrid–Córdoba and Madrid–Málaga trains run by Renfe (AVE and Avlo) and Iryo. Reopening date: TBA. It depends on rescue work, the investigation and safety inspections of the track.
Renfe is letting affected passengers change or cancel tickets free of charge on its website and app. Iryo customers should check Iryo’s updates for rebooking or refunds.
Thursday’s Renfe drivers’ strike: decision pending
On October 16 the Semaf train drivers’ union called a 24-hour strike for Thursday, October 29, citing stalled rail-safety agreements, emergency weather protocols and driver hiring. About 6,000 Renfe Group drivers are covered. On Wednesday EFE reported that Semaf would decide within hours whether to hold the strike or postpone it after the crash. The union is also reviewing six strike days at Ouigo that were due to begin on Friday, October 30.
| Service (if the Oct. 29 strike goes ahead) | Minimum service set |
|---|---|
| High-speed and long-distance | 73% |
| Medium-distance | 65% |
| Cercanías commuter trains | 75% at peak times (6:00–9:00, 13:30–15:30, 18:30–20:30), 50% otherwise |
| Catalonia Rodalies and regional | 66% at peak times (6:00–9:30, 17:00–20:30), 33% otherwise |
Minimum-service timetables do not apply to the closed Madrid–Andalusia section. A train listed as running there may not operate.
US Embassy: protests continue
On October 28 the US Embassy in Madrid issued a nationwide demonstration alert. It says protests continue across Spain, including an announced demonstration on Saturday, October 31 (times and location TBA), and warns of road closures, traffic restrictions and extra police in protest areas.
What it means for airline travelers
- Madrid–Seville/Málaga/Córdoba by rail is out for now. If you were going to fly into Madrid and take the AVE south, or the reverse, plan on a domestic flight, a bus or a rental car. Demand for all three will rise, so book early.
- Flying standby with a rail connection is risky this week. Seats on Madrid–Andalusia flights are likely to fill with displaced rail passengers. Check loads before you list, and have a backup day.
- Check Thursday’s strike decision on Renfe’s and Semaf’s channels before you go to the station, and look up your specific train. Percentages apply to service categories, not individual trains.
- Don’t queue at stations to change tickets. Use the Renfe or Iryo website or app.
- Keep onward bookings flexible. If a missed train could cost you a hotel night or a connection, contact those providers early. Separate rail and airline tickets usually carry fewer protections than a single through-ticket.
- Avoid demonstrations on October 31, allow extra time to reach airports, and check road closures on the DGT website (dgt.es).
- US citizens can enroll in STEP, and Canadians in Registration of Canadians Abroad, to receive embassy alerts.
Sources
- US Embassy Madrid — Demonstration Alert: Update on Protests Throughout Spain (October 28, 2026)
- Infobae / EFE — El sindicato de maquinistas estudia posponer la huelga en Renfe tras el accidente
- infoLibre — Colisionan dos trenes de pasajeros en Urda (Toledo)
- Euronews — Train crash in Spain
- ABC News — Train collision on high-speed line in Spain
- Rus Tourism News — Spain Train Collision in Toledo: Renfe and Iryo Services Affected
- Rus Tourism News — Spain Train Strike: Renfe Services Cut October 29
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