At Least 39 Killed in High-Speed Train Crash in Spain
Madrid, Jan 19: At least 39 people have died after a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train near Adamuz, in the southern province of Córdoba, Spain, on Sunday evening. Officials say the number of fatalities is not yet final.
The collision occurred at 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT), about an hour after the Madrid-bound train departed Málaga. Most of the casualties and injuries were reported in the front carriages of the second train, which was traveling south from Madrid to Huelva.
The train that derailed was operated by Iryo and was relatively new, built in 2022. The company confirmed that it had undergone an inspection just four days prior to the accident. According to Iryo, the train “veered onto the adjacent track for still unknown reasons,” leading to the collision with the oncoming Renfe-operated train.
Around 300 people were onboard the derailed train, while the oncoming train carried about 100 passengers and staff. Emergency services have treated 112 people so far, 48 of whom remain hospitalized, including five children. Eleven patients are in intensive care.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the crash as “extremely strange,” noting that it occurred on a straight, newly renovated section of track last May. He added that railway experts are “very surprised” by the accident. The investigation is expected to take at least a month to determine the cause.
Survivors have been urged by the Andalusian emergency agency to contact their families or post on social media to reassure loved ones. Miguel Ángel Rodríguez of the Spanish Red Cross described the situation as causing “great anxiety” for families awaiting news.
European Commission Commissioner Hadja Lahbib expressed condolences and praised the first responders on the scene, stating that the EU is ready to provide support if requested.
Passengers described the collision as feeling like an “earthquake.” Salvador Jimenez, a journalist onboard one of the trains, said: “There was a moment when it felt like an earthquake and the train had indeed derailed.” Another passenger, José, recalled, “There were people screaming, calling for doctors.”
Emergency crews continue to assess the aftermath of the crash and provide aid to survivors. (Agencies)
