At least 39 people have died in a train collision in southern Spain and dozens more have been injured in the country's worst rail crash in more than a decade, according to Spain's Civil Guard. The incident occurred on a Madrid-bound train that derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Adamuz on Sunday evening. Hundreds of passengers were onboard both trains, and emergency services reported treating 122 individuals, with 43 remaining hospitalized, including four children. Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that the death toll is not yet final as officials have initiated an investigation into the incident. Puente labeled the event 'extremely strange' as rail network experts were baffled by the accident.
The collision unfolded around 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT), approximately an hour after the train departed Málaga to Madrid. High speeds were involved, with the train type being a Freccia 1000, capable of reaching 400 km/h (250 mph). Rescue operations faced challenges due to the wreckage's conditions, necessitating delicate efforts to recover trapped individuals. Eyewitness accounts described the event's impact as feeling like an 'earthquake,' triggering panic among passengers as they called for help.
As the country mourns this tragic disaster, rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended indefinitely. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families while the emergency agency urged survivors to reach out to their families. The royal family also extended condolences, emphasizing national unity during this tragic event.
The collision unfolded around 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT), approximately an hour after the train departed Málaga to Madrid. High speeds were involved, with the train type being a Freccia 1000, capable of reaching 400 km/h (250 mph). Rescue operations faced challenges due to the wreckage's conditions, necessitating delicate efforts to recover trapped individuals. Eyewitness accounts described the event's impact as feeling like an 'earthquake,' triggering panic among passengers as they called for help.
As the country mourns this tragic disaster, rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended indefinitely. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families while the emergency agency urged survivors to reach out to their families. The royal family also extended condolences, emphasizing national unity during this tragic event.
