At least 39 people have been confirmed dead and more than 120 injured after a devastating high-speed train accident in southern Spain, marking the country’s deadliest rail disaster in over a decade, authorities said on Monday.
The crash occurred on Sunday evening near Adamuz, in the Andalusia region, when a high-speed train operated by private rail company Iryo derailed while travelling from Malaga to Madrid. The train veered onto an adjacent track, where it collided with an oncoming service operated by state-owned Renfe and bound for the southern city of Huelva. Both trains subsequently derailed.
Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, described the incident as “extremely strange” and warned that the death toll may yet rise. “This is not a definitive figure,” he said, expressing gratitude to rescue teams who worked through the night under hazardous conditions to reach trapped passengers.
According to the Interior Ministry, about 123 people sustained injuries, including five in critical condition and 24 seriously hurt. Emergency responders faced significant challenges as twisted metal from the carriages trapped hundreds of passengers inside the wreckage.
“The carriages are severely deformed, with people trapped inside,” said Francisco Carmona, head of firefighters in Córdoba. “In some cases, we had to remove the dead to reach survivors. It has been extremely difficult work.”
Officials noted that the derailment occurred on a straight, recently renovated section of track, adding to the mystery surrounding the crash. Minister Puente said the first train involved was “practically new,” while Iryo confirmed its locomotive was built in 2022 and last inspected on January 15. The company said approximately 300 passengers were on board at the time.
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Rail experts have expressed shock at the incident, given Spain’s reputation for one of Europe’s most extensive and modern high-speed rail networks, spanning over 3,000 kilometres and connecting major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Malaga.
Survivors recounted moments of terror as the collision unfolded. One passenger, identified only as Montse, told Spanish television that her train jolted violently before plunging into darkness. “People were thrown around, luggage was flying, and children were crying,” she said. “I was in the last carriage. I feel like I was given a second chance at life.”
The tragedy is Spain’s deadliest train accident since 2013, when 80 people were killed after a train derailed near Santiago de Compostela. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash as the nation mourns yet another painful chapter in its rail history.