- no fewer than 122 people at the scene, while 43 victims, including four children, remain hospitalised
- Survivors described moments of panic and confusion
- all rail services linking Madrid and the Andalusia region were suspended
At least 39 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating train collision in southern Spain, with dozens of others injured in what authorities describe as the country’s worst rail disaster in more than ten years.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the crash occurred on Sunday evening near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba, when a Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed into an opposite track, colliding with an oncoming service.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Akande at 87: Adewole Hails Elder Statesman
- Lagos Assembly Approves ₦4.44 Trillion Budget for 2026
- NANS Mobilises Nationwide Protest Over Tax Reform Law
Spain’s Civil Guard said about 400 passengers and crew were on board both trains at the time of the accident.
Emergency responders treated no fewer than 122 people at the scene, while 43 victims, including four children, remain hospitalised. Authorities confirmed that 12 adults and one child are currently receiving intensive care.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the death toll could still rise, stressing that investigations were ongoing. He described the incident as “extremely strange,” noting that railway experts consulted by the government were baffled by how the crash happened on a straight section of track.
Rail infrastructure operator Adif announced that the accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time, approximately an hour after the train departed from Málaga for Madrid.
The impact reportedly forced the carriages of the second train, which was travelling from Madrid to Huelva, into a nearby embankment, with most casualties recorded in the front sections.
Rescue officials said recovery efforts were hampered by the severity of the wreckage, as several carriages were badly twisted and overturned. Survivors described moments of panic and confusion as emergency workers battled to pull trapped passengers from the damaged coaches.
Following the incident, all rail services linking Madrid and the Andalusia region were suspended, with authorities warning that disruptions would last throughout Monday.
Private rail operator Iryo said about 300 passengers were aboard the derailed train, while the second train, operated by state-owned Renfe, carried around 100 passengers.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, described the tragedy as a moment of “deep national pain,” while King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.
An official investigation has been launched, although transport authorities stated that a definitive cause may not be established for several weeks.
FURTHER READING
