More than 6,000 blood donations have been recorded in Madrid alone following the Toledo rail disaster.
The response exceeded expectations, with 4,081 people successfully donating on Wednesday after authorities issued an urgent appeal following the collision near Urda on the Madrid–Sevilla line.
Others joined waiting lists after donation services reached capacity, with appointments arranged for the following days and weeks.
By 3pm on Thursday, the total had surpassed 6,000 donations in Madrid alone, according to official figures.
Luisa Maria Barea, head of the regional transfusion centre, thanked everyone who answered the appeal.
‘We are enormously grateful for the overwhelming response,’ she said, adding that many people who could not be accommodated on Wednesday would return later.
The centre stressed that Madrid needs around 900 blood donations every day, meaning continued support will be essential beyond the immediate emergency.
Wednesday’s appeal highlighted blood groups O+, O−, A+, A− and B−. The centre publishes updates on which groups are most urgently needed as supplies change.
By early Thursday, Madrid’s hospital network had treated 98 passengers injured in the crash.
Most had minor injuries, although four required intensive care at the 12 de Octubre, Getafe, La Paz and Infanta Sofia hospitals.
Regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso said the patient at Infanta Sofia was expected to leave intensive care shortly.
There was a similarly strong response in Toledo and elsewhere in Castilla-La Mancha, where residents also turned out in large numbers following appeals from health authorities.
Officials have encouraged donors to maintain their support over the coming days and weeks to keep reserves replenished.
