At least 39 people have died and 152 were injured when two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday evening. The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz, in the province of Cordoba, when the tail end of a train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train heading from Madrid to Huelva, according to rail operator Adif.
Details of the Collision
The incident took place at 7:45 pm local time. According to Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente, the cause of the crash remains unknown, but he described it as “a truly strange” incident, noting it occurred on a recently renovated stretch of track. The train that derailed was less than four years old and operated by the private company Iryo, while the impacted train was part of Spain’s public rail service, Renfe.
Passengers described a harrowing scene. Lucas Meriako, travelling on the derailed train, told LaSexta television, “this looks like a horror movie.” He recounted a “very strong hit from behind” and the feeling that the train was about to collapse. The mayor of Adamuz, Rafael Moreno, reported witnessing a badly injured person near the crash site, describing the scene as “horrific.”
Emergency services, including the Spanish Red Cross, Civil Guard, Civil Defence, and military emergency relief units, responded to the scene. Andalusia’s regional president Juanma Moreno stated that emergency workers would work through the night to recover bodies from the wreckage. More than 200 trains between Madrid and the southern Andalucia region, including services to Cordoba, Seville, and Granada, have been cancelled on Monday.
Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cancelled his agenda for Monday following the news of the crash. He expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Tonight is one of deep sadness for our country.” Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also conveyed their condolences.
Transport Minister Puente indicated the inquiry could take a month to complete. He explained that the back part of the first train derailed and collided with the front of the second train, causing the first two carriages of the Renfe train to leave the tracks and fall down a four-metre slope. The front section of the Renfe train sustained the most significant damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of train service in the affected region?
More than 200 trains between Madrid and the southern Andalucia region — including major cities Cordoba, Seville and Granada — have been cancelled throughout Monday, according to RTVE.
What have officials said about the cause of the crash?
Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente said the cause of the crash, at 7.45pm local time on Sunday, was unknown, calling it “a truly strange” incident.
What is the immediate response to the accident?
The Spanish Red Cross has set up a help centre in Adamuz, and emergency services, including the Civil Guard, Civil Defence, and military units, are working at the crash site to rescue survivors and recover bodies.
As investigations begin, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to this devastating collision and providing support to those affected.
