At least 21 passengers lost their lives in a collision between the two high-speed trains in Spain. One train derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Spain on Sunday.
Authorities have confirmed 21 casualties so far, while dozens have suffered injuries.
The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz in Cordoba province, when an Iryo-operated train traveling from Malaga toward Madrid left the tracks and slammed into a Renfe train heading from Madrid to Huelva. As a result of the impact, the second train also derailed, worsening the devastation.
Police confirmed the death toll, while state broadcaster TVE reported around 100 injured, including at least 25 in critical condition. The driver of the Madrid-bound train died at the scene. Adif, the national rail infrastructure operator, said the accident occurred at 6:40 p.m., roughly ten minutes after the Iryo train departed Cordoba. Consequently, Adif suspended all rail services between Madrid and Andalusia.
Rescue operations continue as survivors describe chaos
Emergency teams rushed to the site and began complex rescue operations, as twisted metal and overturned carriages trapped passengers inside narrow spaces. Fire chief Paco Carmona said responders evacuated the first train but continued to search damaged coaches on the second train for survivors. Transport Minister Oscar Puente monitored developments from Adif headquarters and warned that the situation remained extremely serious.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion. Passenger Carmen wrote on X that the train began shaking violently before derailing and plunging the carriages into darkness. Journalists onboard reported that passengers smashed windows with emergency hammers to escape and assisted others onto stretchers. Meanwhile, residents of Adamuz opened a reception center and provided food, blankets, and support throughout the cold night.
Iryo, majority-owned by Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato, expressed deep regret and activated emergency protocols. Renfe did not immediately comment.
Spanish authorities have initiated a probe to ascertin the cause of the accident. The tragic accident has shocked the people in Spain, who are waiting for details of the fatal accident.
