Spain: High-speed train collision kills at least 21
What's the story
A tragic rail accident that occurred in southern Spain on Sunday has killed at least 39 people and injured over 70 others, 24 of whom are reportedly serious, according to police officials. The incident involved two high-speed trains colliding and derailing near Adamuz in Cordoba province. The crash took place around 6:40pm local time (1740 GMT), just minutes after a train operated by high-speed private rail company, Iryo, departed from Malaga for Madrid.
Accident aftermath
Collision details and initial response
The Iryo train derailed onto an adjacent track, crashing into a Renfe-operated Alvia train, which is Spain's national state-owned railway company, traveling from Madrid to Huelva. Both trains derailed, with one of them falling down a four-meter embankment. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente described the derailment as "really strange," given that it occurred on a straight section of track that was renewed in May. Emergency services are still recovering passengers from the wreckage.
Survivor reports
Eyewitness accounts and rescue efforts
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. A journalist who was on board the Iryo train said it felt like "an earthquake," The Guardian reported. Passengers reportedly used emergency hammers to break windows and escape. In the wake of the tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has canceled his Monday schedule, while King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are closely monitoring developments.
Official actions
Government response and ongoing investigation
The Spanish government has deployed troops from a nearby military base to assist in rescue efforts. Renfe said its train derailed after the Iryo train crashed into its path and is working to support affected passengers. Reportedly, the Iryo train is almost new. The cause of this tragic accident remains under investigation by Adif, which operates Spain's rail network.