Residents and local services in Urda helped passengers and relatives after a collision between Renfe and Iryo trains, as authorities reported a provisional toll of 68 dead and more than 100 injured.
The Castilla-La Mancha regional government said Urda’s sports pavilion was opened as a shelter and a family assistance point was set up at Santo Cristo school. Its Wednesday, Oct. 28, notice said Red Cross responders and social workers were providing psychological and social assistance, and the pavilion was empty by the time of the notice.
The Straits Times reported that Urda pharmacist Antonio Garcia, 78, arrived at the scene with first-aid supplies, painkillers, tranquilizers and blankets. The newspaper said other residents brought water to passengers evacuated from the trains.
The regional government’s provisional count listed 44 deaths aboard Iryo and 24 aboard the AVE. Anadolu reported a separate tally Wednesday of at least 64 dead and about 80 injured.
Renfe said its AVE service and an Iryo train collided between Los Yébenes and Urda in Toledo province, interrupting rail traffic between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia. Renfe activated its assistance plan for victims and families and opened a hotline at 900 10 10 20.
Spain’s independent rail accident commission and judicial authorities are investigating. Renfe said it was checking the damage and compiling details.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez thanked residents of Urda and Yébenes for helping victims. He announced official mourning from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31.
