The derailment of a high-speed train carrying 300 passengers left at least 39 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 late in the afternoon bound for Puerta de Atocha station, in Madrid. In the early evening, the last three carriages — carrying 317 people — derailed, encroaching on the track in the opposite direction.
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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 39 deaths and at least 100 injuries.
The region of Andalusia activated the territorial emergency plan, with a task force that includes firefighters, local police, advanced command facilities and lighting teams to allow rescue work to continue during the early hours of the morning.
Desperation at train stations
In Huelva, the 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 psychological support point was set up on site to provide support.
The region’s main railway stations — Atocha (Madrid), Córdoba, Seville and Málaga — will remain open throughout the night to accommodate passengers who have 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.
