Toledo train crash claims 69 lives
A high-speed AVE train struck a stopped Iryo service near Urda on October 28, killing at least 69 people including a Spanish sprinter.
By Daphne Turner ·
At least 69 people died when a high-speed Renfe AVE train collided with a stationary Iryo service near Urda, Toledo, on October 28. The impact caused several carriages to derail and fall off an embankment. Spanish transport officials reported the accident involved two trains carrying a combined total of 525 passengers.
The Iryo train was stopped near the locality with 147 passengers aboard when the AVE struck it from behind. The AVE was transporting 378 passengers at the time of the collision. The force of the impact pushed the rear of the Iryo train forward and caused the derailment.
Among those killed was Julieta Gallego, a 24-year-old long jump athlete. She had just turned 24 on October 9. Gallego lived in Germany and competed for the AD Sprint club in Madrid. The Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) confirmed her death in a statement released on social media.
The federation stated that the family of Spanish athletics joins the pain of the athlete's death. They extended their condolences to her family, loved ones, and clubmates. The AD Sprint club also issued a statement describing the day as very sad for the entire family of the club. They noted that Gallego was part of their jumps group and expressed their sorrow at losing her.
Gallego specialized in the long jump and also competed in the 60 meters. Her personal best was 5.90 meters in the long jump. She achieved this mark in 2023 during the Spanish U23 indoor championships held in Antequera, Malaga. Her club highlighted her connection to the entity and its members in their tribute.
The AD Sprint club will hold a one-minute silence in her honor this Thursday. The ceremony will take place at the athletics tracks of the Paracuellos and Santa Ana schools in Madrid. The club said they are with the athlete's family, friends, and colleagues in their grief.
The accident in Urda has prompted widespread mourning in the Spanish sports community. Gallego’s death was one of the confirmed fatalities from the collision on the rail line between Madrid and other destinations. The train services involved were operated by Iryo and Renfe.
