Spanish bishops ask for prayers after train collision in Toledo province kills dozens
The Spanish Bishops' Conference said it shares the grief of those affected by the crash near Urda, in central Spain, where an Iryo train was struck from behind by a Renfe high-speed train on October 28
Update (October 30, 2026): According to the toll published on October 29, 2026, the rail accident at Urda, in the province of Toledo, has killed 68 people. Authorities had initially reported at least 46 dead.
The Spanish Bishops' Conference, Spain's counterpart of the USCCB, expressed deep sorrow and dismay at the rail accident on Wednesday, October 28, near Urda, in the province of Toledo, in central Spain. A train operated by Iryo, a private high-speed rail company, was struck from behind by an AVE high-speed train run by Renfe, the state rail operator, leaving at least 46 people dead and many injured. The Church joined in mourning the victims and praying for the eternal rest of the dead.
In a statement, the bishops' conference asked the Christian community to pray at its celebrations for all the victims of the crash. "We join in the pain of the victims and their families, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of the dead and for the swift recovery of the injured," the conference said. It entrusted the rest of those who died and the hope of the affected families to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted and Queen of Peace.
Bishop Ginés García Beltrán of Getafe, a diocese south of Madrid, also said he was deeply pained by what happened. On his account on X he wrote: "We join in the pain of the victims and their families, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of the dead and for the swift recovery of the injured. May the Lord sustain and console those affected." He called for those affected to be kept at the heart of the community's prayer.
Hospitals in Toledo, Alcázar de San Juan and Ciudad Real suspended all non-urgent activity to devote all their resources to treating the injured. Health services also issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, warning that transfusions were needed immediately for those hurt in the crash.
The Church also prayed for everyone working in the emergency response, for those treating the injured and for those supporting the families of the victims, asking that they find strength in their service and solidarity at a time of distress.
Based on reporting by Javier Ruiz Arregui for Iglesia Noticias. This article was translated and adapted from Spanish with the help of artificial intelligence.
