Spanish Football: Copa del Rey First Round Halted After Toledo Train Collision

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed 24 first-round Copa del Rey matches on Wednesday evening. The decision followed a fatal collision between two high-speed trains in the province of Toledo. The federation described the pause as a mark of respect for the victims.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. It occurred Wednesday morning near Urda station on the line connecting Madrid and Sevilla. One train was operated by Renfe, the state-owned railway company. The other was run by Iryo, a private operator. Both were traveling at high speeds when they collided.

Emiliano García-Page, the regional president of Castilla La Mancha, confirmed that at least 30 people died in the accident. He warned that the death toll may increase. At least 80 other people were injured. García-Page stated that emergency teams are working in the area to assist the affected.

The RFEF issued a statement announcing the suspension. It noted that the 24 games originally scheduled for Wednesday evening would not take place. The federation said the Spanish football community stands united in grief. It also said it has made itself available to authorities to assist with the response to the accident.

The Copa del Rey is Spain's oldest national football competition. The first round began Tuesday with 18 matches. Another 14 games are scheduled for Thursday. It is not yet known if those Thursday matches will proceed as planned. The RFEF said it will provide a revised schedule and definitive dates for the postponed games in due course.

The Spanish royal family issued a message on social media. It described the family as moved and worried by the crash. The statement expressed sorrow for the families of the deceased. It also sent affection to the injured and those affected by the tragedy.

Real Sociedad won last year's tournament by beating Atlético Madrid in the final. The four teams competing in the Spanish Supercopa, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad, do not enter the Copa del Rey until the round of 32.