The horror collision between two trains in Southern Spain has been described as ‘extremely strange’ by officials
The death toll has tragically increased following a devastating train collision in Southern Spain.
A high-speed train derailed and crashed head-on into another train on Sunday (January 18). Initially, officials reported 21 fatalities and over 100 injuries. However, local media now report that at least 39 people have lost their lives.
The derailed train was en route from Malaga to Madrid when it went off the tracks near Cordoba, as confirmed by rail operator Adif. The second train was travelling from Madrid to Huelva. It is estimated that approximately 500 passengers were aboard the two trains at the time of the accident.
One train derailed and hit the other head-on, with passengers reporting they heard people “screaming” and “calling for doctors.” The regional health minister for the Andalucia region, where the crash occurred, stated that at least one passenger carriage had tumbled down a 13-foot slope during the incident.
Spain’s Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, addressed the nation, stating: “The first two carriages of the Alvia train were derailed, and that caused most of the fatalities and injuries.”
It has been verified that 75 individuals have been hospitalised, with 15 categorised as being in a critical or serious condition.
Mr Puente confessed that railway experts are “extremely baffled by the accident”. He labelled the incident as “extremely strange” and confirmed an investigation has been initiated.
He also revealed that the train which derailed was less than four years old. This train was owned by the private company Iryo, while the second train, which bore the brunt of the collision, belonged to Spain’s public train company Renfe.
Cordoba’s Chief Firefighter, Francisco Carmona, described one of the trains as ‘badly mangled’, with at least four carriages off the rails.
The Spanish Royal Family have extended their condolences. A statement on the official account for the family read: “We are following with great concern the serious accident between two high-speed trains in Adamuz. We extend our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the deceased, as well as our affection and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.”
High-speed trains will not operate on Monday, January 19 between Madrid and Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga, Granada and Huelva.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has spoken about the ‘tragic railway accident’ and offered his condolences. Sánchez posted: “Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country due to the tragic railway accident in Adamuz. I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“No words can alleviate such immense suffering, but I want them to know that the entire country stands with them in this extremely difficult moment. All emergency services are working in a coordinated manner without rest.”
