Copa del Rey First-Round Games Postponed After Deadly Train Collision in Toledo

Spanish football has paused its national cup competition after a fatal train collision in the province of Toledo. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced on Wednesday that all 24 Copa del Rey first-round matches planned for that evening have been suspended.

The crash involved two high-speed trains, one run by Renfe, Spain's national operator, and the other by the private company Iryo. It happened on Wednesday morning near Urda station, on the line linking Madrid and Sevilla. Authorities are investigating what caused the collision.

Emiliano García-Page, the regional president of Castilla La Mancha, said at least 30 people had been killed and cautioned that the number of dead could increase. He added that at least 80 people were hurt.

In its statement, the RFEF said the postponements were ordered "as a mark of respect and solidarity with all the victims of the tragic train accident." The federation said it would release details on a revised tournament schedule, along with new dates and times for the affected fixtures, in due course.

The federation also said the whole Spanish football community "stands united in grief over this tragedy" and had made itself available to the authorities to help the victims.

The first round of the competition began on Tuesday with 18 games. A further 24 were due on Wednesday, followed by 14 on Thursday. It remains unclear whether the Thursday fixtures will be played as planned.

Spain's royal family also responded, posting a message on social media saying it was "moved and worried" by the crash. "We share in the sorrow of the families and loved ones of the deceased and send our affection to the injured and those affected," it said. The family added that its support extended to emergency teams and everyone working in the area.

The Copa del Rey is the oldest national football competition in Spain. Real Sociedad won last year's edition, beating Atletico Madrid in the final. Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid, the four teams due to take part in the Spanish Supercopa, do not enter the tournament until the round of 32.