Spanish authorities confirmed on Monday that a tragic high-speed train collision in the southern part of the country resulted in the loss of at least 39 lives, with efforts ongoing to recover more bodies, indicating that the death toll may increase. The incident occurred at 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday when the rear section of a train carrying around 300 passengers on its route from Malaga to Madrid derailed, colliding with an oncoming train traveling from Madrid to Huelva, as reported by the rail operator Adif.
According to Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente, the impact was mainly absorbed by the front of the second train, which was carrying nearly 200 passengers, causing the first two carriages to derail and fall down a four-meter slope. Most of the fatalities are believed to have occurred in these carriages, as stated by Puente. Juanma Moreno, the president of Andalusia region, mentioned that emergency teams were still sifting through the wreckage where the derailed carriages were located.
Video footage and images depicted the aftermath of the collision, with overturned train cars illuminated by floodlights. Passengers recounted harrowing experiences of escaping through shattered windows, some resorting to emergency tools to break free. Spanish police reported 159 injuries, including five individuals in critical condition and 24 in serious condition. The collision site near Adamuz, a town in Cordoba province, approximately 370 kilometers south of Madrid, saw intensive rescue operations throughout the night.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended his sympathies to the families of the victims, acknowledging the profound sorrow gripping the nation. In response to the tragedy, a sports center in Adamuz was transformed into a temporary medical facility, while the Spanish Red Cross established a support center for aiding emergency responders and individuals seeking updates. The civil guard and civil defense personnel were actively involved in the rescue efforts.
Spain boasts the largest high-speed rail network in Europe, spanning over 3,100 kilometers of tracks, catering to millions of passengers annually. Renfe, the national railway company, reported over 25 million passengers utilizing high-speed trains in 2024. Train services between Madrid and various cities in Andalusia were suspended following the incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Spain, emphasizing her concern for the situation in Cordoba.
As investigations into the crash’s cause commenced, authorities and rescue teams remained focused on aiding the injured and locating any potential survivors amidst the wreckage.