30 dead after Madrid-Seville high-speed trains collide

At least 30 people died when two high-speed trains collided near Urda, Spain, on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha region told ABC News the death toll is expected to rise. The crash occurred at 8:30 a.m. local time at kilometer marker 118, which lies between the towns of Mora, Orgaz, and Urda.

Both the Renfe and Iryo trains were traveling from Madrid to Seville when the accident happened. Spanish Transport Ministry officials said the Renfe train likely struck the Iryo train from behind. This impact caused two coaches to derail from the tracks.

The Iryo service, identified as 6076, was carrying 146 passengers, including one baby. The Renfe train had 397 passengers on board. Iryo stated it activated all emergency protocols and is working with authorities to manage the aftermath of the incident.

All Iryo services departing from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha along the Southern Corridor have been canceled. The company has not provided an estimate for when service will resume. Spain's Health Minister Monica Garcia said the government is mobilizing resources to respond to the crash.

Garcia said she is working with the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha to provide necessary resources. She expressed support and gratitude to the emergency personnel dispatched to the area. The government is coordinating with relevant institutions to handle the situation.