Dozens killed in high-speed train crash in central Spain

High-Speed Train Crash in Southern Spain Leaves at Least 39 Dead, Over 150 Injured

A train collision occurred on Sunday evening in southern Spain, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 people and injuring more than 150 others. The incident took place near Adamuz, a town in the province of Cordoba, approximately 370 kilometers south of Madrid.

According to rail operator Adif, the rear section of a train carrying about 300 passengers from Malaga to Madrid came off the rails around 7:45pm local time and collided with an oncoming train traveling from Madrid to Huelva. The collision occurred near Adamuz, where Spanish police confirmed that five people were in critical condition, while 24 others were in serious condition.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that the death toll was not final, as authorities are still processing the information. A sports center in Adamuz was converted into a makeshift hospital, and the Spanish Red Cross established a help center to provide assistance to emergency services and those seeking information.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. The incident is under investigation, with Puente stating that the cause of the crash remains unknown. Members of Spain’s Civil Guard and civil defense worked at the site throughout the night.

The train network in Spain is one of the largest in Europe for high-speed trains, with over 3,100 kilometers of track and more than 25 million passengers using it in 2024 alone.

Source: Al Jazeera