High-Speed Train Collision Kills Scores Of People In Southern Spain

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

ADAMUZ, SPAIN (Worthy News) – Scores of people were reported killed and nearly 200 injured in southern Spain after a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train, in what Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called “a night of deep pain” for the country.

The crash, one of Spain’s deadliest rail disasters in years, happened when the high-speed Iryo train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near the town of Adamuz, Spanish rail infrastructure operator Adif said.

It then crossed onto the opposite track and struck an oncoming train, Asif explained. The second train, operated by state rail company Renfe, was also derailed and forced down an embankment, authorities said.

Adif said the crash occurred about 10 minutes after the Iryo train departed Málaga at 6:40 p.m. local time, with the collision taking place at approximately 7:45 p.m. Sunday.

At least 39 people were killed, far more than previous estimates of 21, authorities said early Monday. At least 170 people were injured, and of them 75 were rushed to hospitals, including “15 in serious condition,” confirmed Andalusia regional President Juanma Moreno. Most of them were treated in nearby Córdoba, Moreno added. Among the seriously injured are at least four children, authorities said.

OFFICIALS CALL CRASH “STRANGE” AS PROBE BEGINS

Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente stressed that rescuers had removed all survivors but cautioned that the death toll could still rise as victims were formally identified.

Puente said the cause of the accident remains unknown, describing it as “truly strange” because it happened on a flat stretch of track renovated in May. He noted the derailed train—operated by private company Iryo—was less than four years old, while the oncoming train belonged to state operator Renfe.

According to Puente, the derailed train’s rear cars struck the front of the Renfe train, knocking its first two carriages off the tracks and down a four-meter (13-foot) embankment.

He said the worst damage was to the front of the Renfe train. An official investigation could take up to a month, he added.

Emergency crews, including Spain’s Civil Guard, Civil Defense, military emergency units, and the Spanish Red Cross, worked through the night in difficult conditions. The Red Cross set up a support center in Adamuz to assist families and emergency workers.

SURVIVORS DESCRIBE CHAOS

A journalist traveling on one of the trains told Spanish broadcaster RTVE that the impact “felt like an earthquake.”

Passengers smashed windows with emergency hammers to escape, while videos showed people crawling out of tilted carriages.

Firefighter Chief Francisco Carmona said at least four wagons derailed, while regional Civil Protection officials described the crash site as hard to access, prompting residents to bring blankets and water to survivors. Footage obtained by Worthy News showed rescue teams struggling to help and reach survivors.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it “a night of deep sadness” and offered condolences to the victims’ families.

Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also expressed their sympathy, as did European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

SPAIN’S RAIL NETWORK UNDER SCRUTINY

Spain operates Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, with more than 3,100 kilometers (1,900 miles) of track, widely regarded as safe and heavily used.

Renfe said more than 25 million passengers traveled on its high-speed trains in 2024.

Train services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended Monday as investigators examined the wreckage.

Spain’s deadliest rail disaster this century occurred in 2013, when 80 people were killed after a train derailed in northwestern Spain due to excessive speed, investigators concluded.

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