At least 39 people were killed and hundreds injured in a horrific collision between two high-speed trains on Sunday evening in southern Spain, according to official updates released on Monday. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
The incident occurred near the town of Adamuz in the Córdoba province when a high-speed train heading from Málaga to Madrid derailed on a newly renovated straight track and entered the opposite lane, resulting in a violent collision with another train traveling from Madrid towards Huelva.
The accident left at least 39 dead and approximately 245 others injured, including 75 in critical condition and 170 with varying degrees of injuries, ranging from minor to moderate, according to official sources.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated in a press conference that the derailment of the first train on a straight and recently renovated section is “extremely unusual,” noting that initial investigations have not yet revealed the cause of the derailment or whether there was a technical or human issue behind the crash. He added that the final results of the investigation could take weeks or even a month.
Rescue and emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after the incident occurred on Sunday evening, with emergency teams, including critical care units, working to extract trapped passengers from the mangled carriages and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Local residents also assisted the victims during the night.
Rail companies Iryo and Renfe are cooperating with the relevant authorities in emergency efforts, while the railway management announced the suspension of train services between Madrid and Andalusia until investigations are completed and damage assessed.
