At least 39 people have lost their lives, and many more are injured after a tragic train collision in southern Spain. The incident happened on Sunday night when a high-speed train, carrying around 300 passengers, derailed and collided with another train.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it a “night of deep pain” for the nation. As families searched for missing loved ones, officials warned that the death toll might rise.
What Happened?
The collision occurred shortly before 8 PM. Reports indicate that the rear section of the Madrid-bound train came off the tracks and hit an oncoming train. Spain’s transport minister noted that if the second train hadn’t been coming, there might have been no casualties.
The impact shifted the front two carriages of the southbound train off-track, causing them to fall down a 4-meter slope. A passenger traveling to Huelva described the chaos: “Everything was very fast; suitcases were flying everywhere.”
Another witness reported feeling an intense shake during the collision, comparing the experience to an earthquake. Many passengers, including those in distress, gathered while medical staff searched for any available doctors on board.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
As of early Monday, search and rescue efforts confirmed the death of at least 39 people, including the driver of the Renfe train. About 50 individuals were hospitalized, with several in intensive care. Social media was flooded with pleas from people looking for missing relatives. Authorities opened specific centers for families to report missing persons and submit DNA samples for identification.
The Regional Government of Andalusia stated that the collision was so violent that some victims were found hundreds of meters away from the crash site.
Investigating the Cause
Authorities are still investigating the reason for the derailment. The transport minister called it a “truly strange” event, noting that the accident happened on a straight track that had been renovated only a few months before. Interestingly, the derailed train was just under four years old and had received an inspection days before the crash.
Renfe’s president stated that speeding was not a factor. The trains were traveling at 205 km/h and 110 km/h, within the limits of 250 km/h.
The Status of Spain’s Rail Network
Spain’s rail network is one of the largest in Europe, spanning nearly 4,000 km. It is considered safe and popular among travelers. In 2024, Renfe reported over 25 million passengers had used its high-speed trains.
The service is well-regarded for its affordability and efficiency. In 2020, Spain opened its high-speed rail to private companies, leading to the introduction of Iryo trains that began operating in 2022.
This devastating crash marks the deadliest train accident in Spain since 2013, when another derailment resulted in 80 fatalities. Historical comparisons reveal a continued focus on improving train safety in the country.
As the investigation continues, families and loved ones are left coping with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event. For ongoing updates and more comprehensive details, you can follow trusted sources like the BBC and Reuters.
