European royals send condolences after deadly Spanish train crash

Norway’s King Haakon and Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Guillaume have sent messages of condolence to Spain’s King Felipe after a train collision near Urda killed at least 68 people, according to a count reported by Spanish broadcaster RTVE on Wednesday afternoon.

Haakon said he was “deeply saddened” by the news and offered his sincere condolences to Felipe and the Spanish people on behalf of himself and the Norwegian people, Nieuws.nl reported. Guillaume expressed solidarity with Spain and support for the bereaved and injured, adding that his thoughts were also with emergency responders and railway staff helping at the scene.

The collision involved an AVE train and an Iryo train between Los Yébenes and Urda in Toledo province. Renfe confirmed that people had died and been injured, and said rail services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalucía were interrupted.

RTVE reported at least 68 deaths and 53 people in hospital, including 15 in serious condition, citing the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha. The figures were a developing count. Nieuws.nl separately reported 58 people hospitalised, including 15 said to be in critical condition.

Spain’s royal household said it was deeply saddened and concerned by the crash, Nieuws.nl reported. Felipe called it a “terrible accident” and cleared much of his schedule. Three days of national mourning were announced in Spain.