Two students from California Polytechnic State University who were studying abroad have been identified as survivors of a catastrophic high-speed train collision in central Spain that claimed dozens of lives. Both young people sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized overseas as their families begin the difficult process of supporting their recovery.
The 𝔠r𝘢sh occurred on October 28, 2026, near Urda, south of Madrid, when a high-speed pᴀssenger train struck a stationary locomotive that was stopped on the tracks. Investigators have attributed the collision to a combination of a computer system failure and human error. The impact derailed carriages, left at least 69 people ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, and injured more than 80 others. Among those killed were several foreign nationals, including Americans. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the entire country was grieving and that many families had been torn apart by the tᩚraɢedy.
One of the injured students is Austin Hartman, a junior majoring in business administration at Cal Poly. According to a fundraising page created by supporters, Hartman suffered extensive traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures to his pelvis, hip, femur, upper arm, ribs, and lower spine, along with deep cuts to his face and body. In the ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal first day after the 𝔠r𝘢sh, he required mechanical ventilation because of complications with his breathing and circulation. Doctors have indicated he will need several surgeries, and he is not expected to return to the United States for at least two months while he continues treatment in Spain.
The second student is Leah Silver-Fajardo, a third-year neuropsychology major. She sustained fractures to her knee, pelvis, and ribs, along with bruised lungs, cuts, and burns. She has already undergone surgery on her knee and is scheduled for additional procedures, including one to repair her pelvis. Both students were traveling together on a day trip when the collision occurred.
Cal Poly confirmed that two of its students were receiving medical care following the 𝔠r𝘢sh. University officials said they are in contact with the students’ families, the U.S. Embᴀssy in Spain, and study-abroad program partners. The school has also reached out to other Cal Poly students currently studying in Spain and across Europe to offer support during a difficult time.
Families and friends of both Hartman and Silver-Fajardo have launched online fundraising campaigns to help cover medical costs, ongoing care, and the expenses ᴀssociated with a prolonged recovery far from home. The two students face months of rehabilitation and multiple surgical procedures as they begin the long process of healing.
The disaster has drawn international attention not only because of the high dєatᩚh toll but also because it involved young people studying abroad who were simply taking a short trip when the collision occurred. As of early November 2026, both Austin Hartman and Leah Silver-Fajardo remain under medical care in Spain while their loved ones focus on supporting them through what is expected to be an extended and challenging recovery.
