Nigeria extends condolences to Spain after deadly high-speed train crash
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its sympathy to Spain following a catastrophic high-speed train collision that killed more than 68 people.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the ministry said the Federal Government of Nigeria “commiserates with the Government and people of the Kingdom of Spain over the tragic train crash, which occurred on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, resulting in the loss of more than 68 lives and causing severe injuries to many more.”
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, continued, “Nigeria extends its heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Spain, particularly families who have lost their loved ones, and those injured in the tragedy.”
It also praised the emergency response, noting that Nigeria “commends the prompt response of first responders and lauds efforts to provide much-needed emergency relief and care to all those affected by the disaster.”
The ministry further welcomed Spain’s determination “to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sad incident, with a view to further strengthening rail transport safety.”
The crash took place on the morning of 28 October near Urda in Spain’s Toledo province, about 140–150 km south of Madrid on the high-speed line between Madrid and Seville.
A Renfe AVE train travelling south rear-ended a stationary Iryo train that had stopped due to a computer system failure.
Spanish authorities have pointed to an “inexplicable” decision by the central control centre that allowed the moving train to proceed without speed restrictions.
The collision derailed carriages, some of which tumbled down an embankment, leaving at least 68 dead and dozens injured. Spain declared three days of national mourning.
The statement concluded by affirming solidarity, “Standing in solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain at this grieving moment, Nigeria prays for the repose of the souls of lives lost, strength for bereaved families, and a speedy recovery for those injured in the devastating crash.”
