Spain has entered a period of three days of national mourning following a devastating high-speed train crash in southern Spain that claimed at least 40 lives and left more than 120 injured, as confirmed by Spanish authorities. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to uncover the cause of the accident, calling it a day of sorrow for the entire nation.
The collision occurred in Adamuz, Córdoba, on Sunday evening at approximately 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT). The incident involved two high-speed trains: one traveling northbound to Madrid from Málaga, and another southbound from Madrid to Huelva. According to Adif, Spain’s rail network operator, one train derailed on a straight section of track and crossed onto the opposite line, striking the oncoming train with devastating force.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed that the front carriages of the southbound train bore the brunt of the collision, leading to the majority of fatalities and serious injuries. Rescue operations have been challenging due to the twisted wreckage, with crews continuing to search for survivors and recover the deceased.
Prime Minister Sánchez Visits the Scene
On Monday, Pedro Sánchez visited the crash site alongside senior officials. Speaking to reporters, Sánchez stated:
“This is a day of sorrow for all of Spain. We are going to get to the truth, and when the origin and cause of this tragedy is known, it will be shared with absolute transparency.”
Puente described the crash as “extremely strange” and warned that a full investigation could take at least a month. Preliminary reports from unnamed sources suggest that a faulty rail joint, which may have widened under the weight of trains, could be a contributing factor. Experts are working to determine whether the fault caused the crash or resulted from it, according to El País.
Casualties and Injuries
A total of 400 passengers and staff were aboard the two trains at the time of the crash. Emergency services have treated 122 individuals, with 41 still hospitalized, including 12 in intensive care. Authorities emphasized that the death toll is not final, as identification of victims continues.
The trains involved were Freccia 1000 high-speed units, capable of reaching speeds of 400 km/h (250 mph), according to the Italian rail company Ferrovie dello Stato. The sheer speed and force of the collision have drawn comparisons to an earthquake by passengers on board.
Salvador Jimenez, a journalist traveling on one of the trains, described the moment of impact:
“I was in the first carriage. There was a moment when it felt like an earthquake, and the train had indeed derailed.”
Footage from the scene shows carriages tipped over, with rescue teams scaling the trains to evacuate passengers. One Madrid-bound passenger, José, told Canal Sur:
“There were people screaming, calling for doctors.”
Rail Services Suspended
Following the accident, all high-speed rail services between Madrid and southern cities including Málaga, Córdoba, Sevilla, and Huelva have been suspended until Friday. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of remaining services while the investigation continues.
Royal Condolences and Support Services
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their deep concern over the disaster, offering condolences to families affected. The Spanish Red Cross has deployed emergency support teams to assist survivors and relatives, providing counseling and information amid high levels of anxiety.
Miguel Ángel Rodríguez of the Red Cross told RNE radio:
“Families are experiencing great anxiety due to lack of information. These are very distressing moments.”
Context: Spain’s High-Speed Rail Safety Record
Spain’s high-speed rail network, the second largest in the world after China, connects over 50 cities and spans more than 4,000 km (2,485 miles). This tragic crash is the country’s worst rail disaster in over a decade, surpassing the 2013 derailment in Galicia that killed 80 people and injured 140.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies and assess the safety of high-speed rail operations.
Key Facts About the Adamuz Train Crash
- Location: Adamuz, Córdoba, southern Spain
- Date & Time: Sunday, 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT)
- Trains Involved: Madrid–Huelva southbound; Málaga–Madrid northbound
- Casualties: At least 40 dead, 122 injured, 12 in intensive care
- Passengers on board: Approximately 400
- Train Type: Freccia 1000, top speed 400 km/h
- National Response: Three days of mourning; full investigation underway
- Service Disruption: All high-speed routes in southern Spain suspended until Friday
This disaster has left Spain in mourning while authorities continue rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the collision. Families of victims and passengers await updates, as the government pledges transparency and accountability in the investigation.
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