High-Speed Train Collision in Spain Kills 39, Injures Over 120

A high-speed train derailed and collided with another in southern Spain on Sunday evening, killing 39 people and injuring more than 120, authorities confirmed Monday. Officials described the crash as “extremely strange,” marking the deadliest train accident in Spain since 2013.

The disaster occurred near Adamuz when a train operated by Iryo, traveling from Malaga to Madrid, derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train operated by Renfe, which also derailed.

The Interior Ministry initially reported 21 deaths late Sunday, but the toll has since risen to 39. Another 123 people were injured, including five in critical condition and 24 seriously, according to a ministry spokeswoman.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente described the incident as highly unusual:

“The accident took place on a straight part of the track, which was completely renovated. The first train to derail was practically new, making the accident extremely strange. Rail experts are very surprised by this accident because it is very strange and very difficult to explain at this stage.”

Around 300 passengers were on the Malaga-Madrid service, Iryo said, while Renfe has not disclosed the number of passengers on its train. Spain boasts Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, with over 3,000 kilometres of dedicated tracks connecting major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Malaga.

Emergency crews faced enormous challenges due to the twisted carriages. Francisco Carmona, head of firefighters in Cordoba, told RTVE:

“The problem is that the carriages are twisted, so the metal is twisted with the people inside. We have even had to remove a dead person to be able to reach someone alive. It is hard, tricky work.”

Some carriages had tumbled down an embankment of four metres (13 feet), compounding the rescue efforts.

Passengers described terrifying scenes. A Huelva-bound passenger, identified only as Montse, recounted:

“The train, with a jolt, came to a complete stop, and everything went dark. I was thrown around in the last carriage and saw luggage tumble on other passengers. The attendant behind me hit her head and was bleeding. There were children crying. Luckily, I was in the last car. I feel like I was given a second chance at life.”

Lucas Meriako, a survivor on the first train, told La Sexta:

“This looks like a horror movie. We felt a very strong hit from behind and the feeling that the whole train was about to collapse… there were many injured due to the glass.”

Adif, Spain’s rail infrastructure operator, announced the suspension of high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusian cities including Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and Huelva on Monday.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted:

“Today is a night of deep pain for our country owing to the tragic rail accident in Adamuz. No words can alleviate such great suffering, but I want them to know that the whole country is by their side in this tough moment.”

The royal palace confirmed that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were following developments “with great concern,” offering condolences to victims’ families and well wishes to the injured.

International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also expressed their condolences.

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