At least 39 people are confirmed dead following a high-speed train collision in southern Spain on Sunday evening, with authorities anticipating the death toll to rise as recovery efforts continue. The crash occurred near Adamuz, in the province of Cordoba, approximately 230 miles south of Madrid.
Details of the Collision
The collision took place at 7:45 p.m. Sunday when the rear of a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and struck an oncoming train en route from Madrid to Huelva. According to rail operator Adif, the train heading to Madrid carried approximately 300 passengers, while the train to Huelva carried nearly 200.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that the first two carriages of the train traveling to Huelva were knocked off the tracks and down a 13-foot slope, sustaining the most significant damage. Andalusia regional president Juanma Moreno reported that some passengers were ejected from the trains, with bodies discovered hundreds of meters from the crash site.
As of Monday morning, 159 people were reported injured, with five in critical condition and 24 in serious condition. Emergency services established a makeshift hospital at a local sports center in Adamuz, and the Spanish Red Cross provided assistance to both emergency personnel and those seeking information about loved ones.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains unknown, according to Transport Minister Puente, who described the incident as “truly strange” given that it occurred on a recently renovated, flat stretch of track. He also noted that the train which derailed was less than four years old. An inquiry into the cause of the crash is expected to take up to a month.
Train services between Madrid and cities in Andalusia have been canceled for Monday. This incident follows Spain’s worst train accident this century, which occurred in 2013 when 80 people died after a train derailed while traveling at 111 mph on a stretch of track with a 50 mph speed limit.
Official Response
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain expressed their condolences and concern, extending their sympathies to the families of the deceased and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also conveyed her thoughts and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation?
The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and an inquiry is underway that is expected to take up to a month, according to Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente.
How many people were injured in the collision?
Spanish police reported 159 people were injured, with five in critical condition and 24 in serious condition as of Monday.
Was the track recently inspected?
According to Transport Minister Puente, the track where the collision occurred had been renovated in May.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, the focus remains on recovery efforts and providing support to those affected. What steps do you believe are most crucial in ensuring the safety of high-speed rail travel?
