Cal Poly Students Seriously Injured in Spain Train Disaster; University Assists Families

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — November 5, 2026. Two students from California Polytechnic State University were seriously injured in the October 28 high-speed rail disaster in Spain that left 69 people dead. The students, who were studying abroad, have been identified by families and supporters as Leah Silver-Fajardo and Austin Hartman. Their injuries and continuing hospital treatment were detailed in People’s November 4 reporting. This is a November 5 follow-up for San Luis Obispo readers, not a claim that a new train accident occurred today.

What is known about the students?

According to the reporting and family-organized support campaigns, Silver-Fajardo, a neuropsychology student, sustained multiple fractures, lung injuries and burns and has required surgery. Hartman, a business student, suffered fractures involving his pelvis, hip, leg, arm, ribs and spine and faces multiple operations. His family indicated he might remain in Spain for at least two months before being able to return to the United States. Those are early recovery expectations, not a confirmed discharge date or a complete medical prognosis.

University response

Cal Poly told People that it was working with the U.S. Embassy and study-abroad partners, supporting the affected families and contacting students studying in Spain and elsewhere in Europe. The students were not necessarily traveling as a single Cal Poly-organized group; the reporting identifies them as university students participating in study-abroad opportunities. The university’s International Center provides information on overseas programs and emergency contacts for students.

What happened in Spain?

On October 28, a high-speed passenger train struck another train that was stopped on the tracks near Urda, south of Madrid. The Associated Press reported that 69 people died, including four Americans, and authorities were investigating a serious failure involving rail operations and safety systems. The cause and legal responsibility remain under investigation. The injured Cal Poly students are not among the dead.

What the San Luis Obispo community should know

Supporters are organizing help for recovery, transportation and medical costs, but donation links and individual medical details should be checked directly with the affected families before contributions are made. Students traveling internationally should keep copies of emergency insurance contacts, local consular information and their program’s 24-hour emergency procedures. Cal Poly can provide institution-specific resources through its International Center.

Sources: People, November 4, 2026, reporting on family accounts and the university’s response; Associated Press November 3 crash update; Cal Poly International Center. All information reviewed November 5 and subject to subsequent medical and investigative updates.

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