Spain is in mourning after a tragic collision between two high-speed trains in Andalusia, leaving 21 people dead and more than 70 injured. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described it as a “night of deep pain” for the nation.
The accident occurred Sunday evening near Adamuz, as a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming service. Both trains came off the rails, according to Spain’s Adif rail network operator.
A police spokesperson confirmed 21 fatalities, while Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s top emergencies official, reported at least 73 injured, warning that the toll could rise. “A very complicated night awaits us,” he said. Transport Minister Oscar Puente noted that 30 people were hospitalized in serious condition, with all injured evacuated for medical care.
The collision happened on a straight section of track that had recently been renovated. Puente emphasized that the first derailed train was “practically new,” making the disaster especially baffling. Around 300 passengers were on board the Malaga-Madrid train, according to rail operator Iryo.
Emergency teams faced immense challenges due to twisted carriages and trapped passengers. Francisco Carmona, head of Cordoba firefighters, explained, “The carriages are twisted, so the metal is twisted with the people inside. We even had to remove a deceased person to reach someone alive. It is hard, tricky work.” Some carriages had fallen down a four-meter embankment, compounding rescue difficulties.
Survivors described harrowing experiences. Montse, a passenger on the second train bound for Huelva, recounted being thrown around in her carriage. “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, on the first derailed train, said, “This looks like a horror movie. We felt a very strong hit from behind, and it seemed like the whole train might collapse. Many were injured by flying glass.”
In response, high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusian cities including Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and Huelva were suspended at least through Monday. Adif arranged support spaces at major stations to help relatives of victims. The Spanish defence ministry deployed 40 emergency military personnel and 15 vehicles to assist.
Prime Minister Sanchez expressed solidarity with the victims: “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 family, world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, also offered condolences.
Spain’s high-speed rail network, one of the largest in Europe with over 3,000 kilometers of dedicated tracks, has faced similar tragedies before. In 2013, a derailment near Santiago de Compostela killed 80 people, marking the deadliest rail disaster in Spain since 1944.
This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of safety in travel. Thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and those working tirelessly at the scene.
