Spanish authorities reported on Monday that a tragic high-speed train collision in the southern part of the country has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 39 individuals, with ongoing efforts to retrieve more bodies indicating that the death toll may increase. The incident took place at 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday when the rear section of a train carrying around 300 passengers from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train headed from Madrid to Huelva, as confirmed by rail operator Adif.
According to Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente, the impact primarily affected the front of the second train, which was carrying nearly 200 passengers. This collision caused the first two carriages of the train to derail and fall down a four-meter slope, with a significant number of fatalities believed to have occurred in those carriages, as per Puente. Andalusia regional president Juanma Moreno mentioned that emergency services were still conducting search operations in the area where the damaged carriages had come off the tracks, describing it as a mass of twisted metal.
The situation remains critical, with the possibility of more casualties as the wreckage is further examined. Passengers recounted harrowing experiences of the crash, with some using emergency tools to escape the overturned train cars. Spanish police reported 159 injuries, including five individuals in critical condition and 24 in serious condition. The collision site near Adamuz, located approximately 370 kilometers south of Madrid, was surrounded by rescue and medical teams throughout the night.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended his sympathies to the families of the victims, acknowledging the profound sorrow felt across the nation. In response to the tragedy, a sports center in Adamuz was transformed into a temporary medical facility, and the Spanish Red Cross established a support center to aid both emergency responders and individuals seeking assistance. Train services in the affected region have been disrupted as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Spain following the distressing incident. As the nation mourns the loss, authorities and rescue personnel are diligently working to manage the aftermath of the tragic train collision.