Spanish FA pauses Copa del Rey schedule after deadly Toledo train crash

The Spanish Football Federation has suspended all Copa del Rey first-round matches scheduled for Wednesday after a tragic collision between two trains in Toledo province left dozens dead and injured.

The decision affects a number of fixtures, including Navalkarnero v Real Betis, Salamanca v Celta Vigo and Taverneys v Valencia, along with several other matches, Spanish newspaper Marca reported.

The federation has not yet decided whether Thursday’s matches will go ahead. It will also determine new dates for the postponed fixtures.

Train collision in Toledo

The crash happened at about 08:54 local time on Wednesday between the areas of Los Yebenes and Urda in Toledo province.

According to preliminary information reported by Spanish news agency Europa Press, citing sources at the Ministry of Transport, a train operated by state-owned company Renfe collided with a train belonging to Iryo, which was stationary on the track.

Several carriages derailed in the impact, with some falling down an embankment beside the railway line. High-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalucia were suspended as emergency and medical teams responded at the scene.

Initial reports said dozens of people had been killed or injured, with warnings that the toll could rise as rescue operations continued. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation and there has been no final confirmation of its immediate cause or who may be responsible.

Firefighters, civil protection teams and medical services were sent to the site by the Spanish authorities. Nearby hospitals prepared to receive casualties, while the regional emergency plan in Castilla-La Mancha was activated.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico respond

The tragedy prompted messages of condolence and solidarity from leading Spanish clubs.

Real Madrid issued a statement expressing its “deep sadness and sorrow” at the incident. The club offered its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died and said it stood with the injured and everyone affected.

It also sent its support to the emergency services and all those involved in the rescue and relief effort.

Barcelona posted a message on its official account on X, extending its condolences to the families and friends of the victims and expressing solidarity with them. The club also wished all those injured a speedy recovery.

Atletico Madrid said: “We share the grief of the families and friends of the victims of the tragic accident that took place this morning in Toledo province. We extend our deepest condolences to them and wish all those injured a speedy recovery.”

The football community is now awaiting the federation’s final decision on Thursday’s matches and the rearranged dates for the postponed Copa del Rey ties, while emergency teams continue working at the crash site and the casualty figures are monitored.