At Least 40 Killed As High-Speed Trains Collide In Southern Spain

At least 40 people have died in southern Spain, and dozens more injured, after a high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming one on Sunday night in one of the worst railway accidents in Europe in decades. Emergency services worked through the night at the crash site, where dozens of injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, authorities said. The cause of the derailment was not immediately clear.

Collision Near Córdoba

The collision took place around 8 PM on Sunday, near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province in Spain. It happened between two trains that were travelling in opposite directions. Rail traffic in the area was suspended as investigators began examining the wreckage, with further updates expected later on Monday.

One of the trains was heading north from the southern city of Málaga to Madrid’s Atocha station and was carrying 289 passengers, four crew members and a driver, according to private rail operator Iryo, which owned the train. The second train was travelling south from Madrid to the small city of Huelva and was believed to be carrying nearly 200 passengers. It was operated by Spain’s public rail company, Renfe.

Search And Recovery Continues

Rail operators said about 400 passengers and staff were on board the two trains. Nearly 48 people remained hospitalised, including 12 in intensive care. By Monday, officials stated that all survivors had been rescued, and efforts were ongoing to recover and identify the victims. Police said they had opened several offices where families could file reports and provide DNA samples for identification.

On social media, relatives of those still unaccounted for appealed for information. A recent Reuters report said experts investigating Sunday’s derailment found a broken rail joint, citing a source briefed on the initial inquiry findings.

Railway Safety In Europe

According to EU reports and statistics, railway accidents in Europe have declined over the past decade, though there have been some high-profile events. Although there was a slight increase in accidents in 2022, the overall number has fallen steadily since 2010, with 722 fewer significant accidents recorded in 2024, a drop of 32.4 per cent.

In 2024, there were 1,507 railway accidents across the European Union, resulting in 750 deaths and 548 serious injuries. Nearly two-thirds of those killed in railway accidents in the EU in 2024 were unauthorised people on the tracks, while more than a quarter, 25.5 per cent, occurred at level crossings.

FAQs

What happened?
A high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train in southern Spain on Sunday night, resulting in at least 40 deaths and dozens of injuries.

Where did the crash occur?
The collision happened near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, involving two trains travelling in opposite directions.

How many people were on board?
About 400 passengers and staff were onboard the two trains combined, according to rail operators.

What is known about the cause of the accident?
The cause has not been officially confirmed. However, a Reuters report said experts investigating the derailment had found a broken rail joint, citing a source briefed on initial findings.

What efforts are being made to identify the victims?
Police have opened offices where relatives can file reports and provide DNA samples to assist in identification.