The derailment of a high-speed train carrying 300 people left at least 21 dead and dozens of other people injured. The train ended up hitting another train that was coming along the opposite track, at Adamuz, in Córdoba, Spain.
The accident involved a train from the operator Iryo, which left Málaga at 6:40 pm bound for Puerta de Atocha station, in Madrid. At around 7:39 pm, the last three cars — carrying 317 people — derailed, encroaching on the track in the opposite direction.
At the exact moment of the derailment, a train Alvia, from Renfewhich was heading towards Huelva, passed by the place. The Iryo cars collided with the first two Alvia cars, which were thrown off the tracks.
Balance of victims
Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, called the disaster “terrible”. By the end of Sunday night, authorities had confirmed at least 21 deaths and at least 100 injuries.
The Andalusia region activated the Territorial Emergency Plan. The task force has firefighters, local police, advanced command tents and lighting teams to allow rescue work to continue throughout the night.
Desperation at train stations
Em Huelvathe atmosphere is one of anguish. Relatives of passengers on the Renfe train went to the station in search of news, as many are unable to contact their relatives. A point of psychological care was assembled on site to provide support.
The main railway stations in the region — Atocha (Madrid), Córdoba, Seville and Malaga — will remain open throughout the night to accommodate hundreds of passengers who had their trips canceled or delayed due to road closures.
President suspends agenda
The president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchezexpressed regret through social media and reported that the Executive works in full coordination with the emergency services.
Due to the magnitude of the tragedy, Sánchez suspended his agenda for this Monday, including a crucial meeting with opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.
The Spanish royal family, which is on a schedule in Greece, also sent a message of condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
