Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, Jan 19: Spain was plunged into mourning after a collision between two high-speed trains in the southern region of Andalusia killed at least 21 people and injured more than 70, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to describe it as a “night of deep pain” for the country.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday evening when a Malaga–Madrid service derailed near Adamuz and crossed onto the opposite track, crashing into an oncoming train bound for Huelva. Both trains derailed following the impact, rail network operator Adif said in a post on X.
A police spokesperson confirmed 21 deaths, while Andalusia’s top emergencies official Antonio Sanz said at least 73 people were injured, warning that the toll could rise. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said 30 passengers were taken to hospital in serious condition and confirmed that all injured had been evacuated.
Puente termed the accident “extremely strange”, noting that it occurred on a straight, fully renovated stretch of track and involved a train that was “practically new”. Rail operator Iryo said around 300 people were on board the Malaga–Madrid service.
Rescue operations were hampered by twisted carriages, some of which tumbled down a four-metre embankment. “The metal is twisted with people inside,” Cordoba firefighters chief Francisco Carmona told public broadcaster RTVE, describing the operation as “hard and tricky”.
Passengers recounted scenes of panic and chaos. A survivor from the second train said the carriage jolted to a halt and plunged into darkness, with luggage flying and children crying. Another survivor described the wreckage as resembling “a horror movie”.
High-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusian cities including Cordoba, Seville, Malaga and Huelva were suspended for at least Monday. Adif said assistance centres had been set up at major stations to support relatives of victims. The defence ministry deployed emergency military units to the site.
Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Sanchez said the nation stood with the victims’ families. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia said they were following developments “with great concern”. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were among international leaders who offered condolences.
Spain operates Europe’s largest high-speed rail network. The country’s deadliest rail disaster in recent decades occurred in 2013, when a derailment near Santiago de Compostela killed 80 people.