At least 39 people have been killed and scores injured following a collision between two passenger trains in Adamuz, near Córdoba, in southern Spain, in what authorities described as the country’s worst rail accident in more than a decade.
Spain’s Civil Guard said a Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed onto an opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train, with about 400 passengers and staff onboard both services.
Andalusia’s emergency services reported that at least 73 people were taken to hospital, including 24 in serious condition, while rescue officials said the twisted wreckage complicated efforts to reach trapped passengers.
Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, said the incident occurred shortly after the train departed Málaga and described the crash as highly unusual, noting that railway experts were baffled as investigations began.
He said most casualties were in the front carriages of the second train, which was travelling from Madrid to Huelva, and confirmed that rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the country was facing a night of deep pain, while King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed concern and condolences to victims’ families, as emergency agencies and the Red Cross provided medical care, support and counselling to those affected.