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Signalling Error Caused Spain High-Speed Train Collision

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 15:11 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Spain’s ADIF signalling worker’s error caused two high-speed trains to collide near Urda.
At least 46 people died and dozens were injured in the crash.
The Renfe AVE carried 397 passengers.
Fire crews, civil-protection units, three medical helicopters and ICU teams responded to the site.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted on X that he was shocked and offered solidarity to victims.

History

On 24 July 2013 an Alvia high-speed train derailed near Santiago de Compostela, killing 78 people after the driver entered a curve at more than twice the 80 km/h limit. The crash spurred ADIF to add ASFA balises and tighten signalling, measures that frame today’s ADIF-linked AVE collision and the government’s emergency response.

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Historical Context

On 24 July 2013 an Alvia high-speed train derailed near Santiago de Compostela, killing 78 people after the driver entered a curve at more than twice the 80 km/h limit. The crash spurred ADIF to add ASFA balises and tighten signalling, measures that frame today’s ADIF-linked AVE collision and the government’s emergency response.

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