Spanish Rail Tragedy: ADAMUZ, Spain — A massive rescue operation continues in southern Spain following a catastrophic high-speed train collision that has claimed at least 39 lives.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, has left the nation in mourning and investigators baffled by what the government has termed a “truly strange” disaster.
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Spanish Rail Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to 39 in “Strange” High-Speed Collision
The Collision: A “Moment Like an Earthquake”
The disaster unfolded at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 18. According to rail operator Adif, the tail end of a high-speed train operated by the private company Iryo, carrying roughly 300 passengers from Málaga to Madrid, derailed on a flat, recently renovated stretch of track.
The derailed carriages careened into the path of an oncoming state-run Renfe (Alvia) train traveling from Madrid to Huelva. The impact was devastating:
- The Impact: The Iryo carriages slammed into the front of the Renfe train, sending several wagons tumbling down a four-meter (13-foot) embankment.
- Survivor Accounts: Salvador Jiménez, a journalist on board, described the impact as feeling like a massive earthquake. Passengers were forced to use emergency hammers to shatter windows and crawl out of twisted, overturned metal.
- Casualties: Beyond the 39 confirmed dead—including the driver of the Renfe train—authorities report 152 injuries. At least 5 people remain in critical condition.
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Rescue Efforts and the “Mass of Iron”
Throughout the night and into Monday, rescue teams from the Spanish Civil Guard, Civil Defense, and Military Emergencies Unit (UME) have been working under floodlights.
“We have even had to remove a dead person to be able to reach someone alive. It is hard, tricky work.” — Francisco Carmona, Córdoba Fire Chief
A local sports center in Adamuz has been converted into a makeshift hospital, where the Spanish Red Cross is providing psychological support and information to families. The regional government has also established a DNA collection point in Córdoba to help identify victims.
An “Extremely Baffling” Investigation
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente expressed shock at the location of the accident. The crash occurred on a straight, flat section of track that underwent a full renovation as recently as May 2024. Furthermore, the Iryo train involved was less than four years old.
Current Investigation Focus:
- Mechanical Failure: Experts are examining the “tail end” derailment of the Iryo train to see if a technical fault caused it to jump the tracks.
- Infrastructure: Despite recent renovations, investigators are checking for potential track subsidence or signaling errors.
- Speed: While the network allows for speeds up to 250 km/h, it is unclear if either train was exceeding local limits at the time of the impact.
National Impact and Cancellations
This is Spain’s deadliest rail accident since the 2013 Santiago de Compostela disaster. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has cleared his schedule to manage the crisis, stating, “Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country.”
- Service Disruptions: Over 200 trains between Madrid and the Andalusia region (including Seville, Córdoba, and Granada) have been canceled.
- International Support: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and King Felipe VI have issued statements of solidarity.
As heavy machinery arrives at the site to lift the mangled carriages, officials warn that the death toll could still rise.
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