In brief
The WHO postponed a summit session in Madrid after a fatal high‑speed train crash near Urda, Spain, that left dozens dead. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia and WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the postponement, citing respect for the victims and their families.
The World Health Organization announced it would postpone Wednesday’s high‑level session of the Madrid Global Obesity Summit after a collision between two high‑speed trains near Urda, a town in Toledo province, killed dozens of people.
Women and men were injured, and the accident is still being investigated, the Spanish Ministry of Health said. Pedro Gullon, director‑general of Public Health, said the government had suspended its official agenda for the day in reaction to the tragedy.
Pedro Gullon
We do not yet know the full extent of the accident, but it is undoubtedly a human tragedy.
Health Minister Monica Garcia described the collision as “a major tragedy” and urged people to donate blood to help the injured.
She said the ministry was coordinating resources with relevant authorities to offer assistance.
WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the government and people of Spain, we have decided to postpone today's event, and a new date will be announced in due course.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation also announced that all 24 first‑round Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday would be postponed in a mark of respect for the victims.
