By Blessing Nweke
At least 21 people have been killed and dozens more injured after two trains collided in southern Spain, in what authorities described as the country’s worst rail disaster in more than a decade. Officials warned on Sunday that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue and critically injured passengers are treated in hospital.
The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz, close to the city of Córdoba, when a Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming service. Rail network operator Adif said the accident happened around ten minutes after the train left Málaga at 18:40 local time.
About 400 passengers and staff were on board both trains combined, according to rail authorities. Andalusia’s emergency services said at least 24 people were seriously injured, including four children. Most of the fatalities and severe injuries were reported in the front carriages of the second train, which was travelling from Madrid to Huelva.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the incident “extremely strange,” saying experts consulted by the government were baffled by how the collision occurred on a straight section of track. The trains involved included a Freccia 1000 high-speed model capable of reaching 400 km/h, according to Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato.
Rescue teams faced major challenges due to twisted wreckage. Córdoba fire chief Francisco Carmona said crews sometimes had to remove bodies to reach survivors. Passengers described scenes of panic, with one journalist saying the impact felt like an “earthquake.”
All rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended, with closures expected to last through Monday. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain would endure a “night of deep pain,” while King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed deep concern and condolences. An official investigation is underway, though findings are not expected for at least a month.
Original article
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