High-Speed Train Crash in Spain Leaves Many Dead, Injured
Córdoba, Spain – A tragic accident occurred Sunday evening when a high-speed train derailed and collided with another train in southern Spain. Officials confirm at least 21 people have died, and dozens more are injured.
The crash involved a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid and another heading from Madrid to Huelva. According to Adif, the rail operator, the back of the Malaga-bound train went off the tracks near Córdoba around 7:45 p.m. local time. It then struck the oncoming train.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that rescue workers recovered all known survivors, but the possibility of additional victims remains. Andalusia regional President Juanma Moreno reported that 75 people are hospitalized, many in Córdoba, with 15 suffering serious injuries. Emergency crews worked through the night to recover bodies from the wreckage.
The cause of the accident is under investigation. Puente described the incident as “strange,” noting that it happened on a recently renovated, flat section of track. He also pointed out that the derailed train was relatively new. One train belonged to a private company, Iryo, while the other was part of Renfe, Spain’s public train system.
Salvador Jiménez, a journalist on board one of the trains, described the impact as feeling like an earthquake. Passengers reportedly used emergency hammers to break windows and escape. The accident site, near the village of Adamuz, presented challenges for rescuers.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences, calling it “a night of deep sadness.” Spain’s King and Queen also shared their concern.
Spain boasts Europe’s largest high-speed rail network. Renfe reports that it carried over 25 million high-speed train passengers in 2024, highlighting the popularity and importance of rail travel in the country. Train services between Madrid and cities in Andalusia were suspended following the incident.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and safety regulations. A thorough investigation is needed to determine the cause of the derailment and prevent similar accidents in the future. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the victims and their families.
