King’s Cup matches suspended after fatal train crash in Toledo province

The Spanish Football Federation has suspended all King’s Cup first-round matches scheduled for Wednesday after a tragic collision between two trains in Toledo province left dozens of people dead and injured.

The decision affects fixtures including Navalcarnero against Real Betis, Salamanca against Celta Vigo and Tavernes against Valencia, as well as several other matches, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

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

The crash happened at about 08:54 local time on Wednesday between Los Yebenes and Urda in Toledo province. Initial information reported by Europa Press, citing sources within the Ministry of Transport, said a train operated by state-owned Renfe collided with an Iryo train that was stationary on the track.

Several carriages derailed and some fell down an embankment beside the railway line. High-speed train services between Madrid and Andalucia were suspended as emergency and medical teams responded to the incident.

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 crash remain under investigation, and there has been no final confirmation of its immediate cause or who might be responsible.

Spanish clubs express condolences

The tragedy prompted messages of grief and solidarity from across Spanish football, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid issued a statement expressing its “deep sadness and sorrow” over the crash. The club offered its condolences to the families and relatives of those who died, while expressing its support for the injured and everyone affected. It also sent a message of solidarity to emergency workers and all those involved in the rescue and relief effort.

Barcelona posted a message on its official account on X, offering its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The club said it stood with them and 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 occurred this morning in Toledo province. We offer them our sincere condolences and wish all those injured a speedy recovery.”

Firefighters, civil protection teams and medical services were sent to the scene, while nearby hospitals prepared to receive casualties. The regional emergency plan was activated in Castilla-La Mancha.

The suspension of the King’s Cup matches came as the scale of the disaster prompted mourning across the country. Football authorities and clubs are now awaiting further information on the condition of those affected, the rescheduled dates for the postponed games and the final decision on Thursday’s fixtures.

Rescue work is continuing at the site while investigators examine the circumstances of the collision and officials monitor the number of fatalities and injuries.