Families Provide DNA Samples After Spain Train Crash

A tragic train collision occurred shortly before 09:00 local time on Wednesday near Urda, in Toledo, south of Madrid, resulting in at least 69 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident involved a high-speed train operated by state-owned Renfe colliding with the rear of a stationary train operated by private company Iryo.

Over 500 passengers were aboard the two trains at the time of the crash, which caused at least three carriages of the Iryo train and part of the Renfe train to tumble down an embankment. Spain’s Civil Guard is prioritizing the identification of the deceased, urging families of missing passengers to provide DNA samples to assist in this process.

The bodies have been transported to the main forensic institute in Toledo. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one passenger, Salvador Arriza, stating that many were trapped and had to break windows to escape.

Families are anxiously searching hospitals for information about their loved ones.