A tragic train accident in Spain has resulted in the loss of 21 lives, with hundreds of passengers en route to Madrid sustaining injuries as the train derailed from its tracks.
The death toll has climbed to 21, with an additional 25 individuals critically injured following the derailment in Andalusia on Sunday, January 18. The incident involved an Iryo train departing from Malaga with around 300 passengers, which veered off the tracks onto another track, leading to a collision with a Madrid-bound train to Huelva, causing both trains to derail, according to national rail operator ADIF.
Distressing images from the scene depict the severe damage to the locomotives, including a carriage overturned on its side on the tracks. Passengers were seen escaping through shattered windows, while others, injured, were observed sitting beside the tracks.
A reporter from RTVE, who was on the Cordoba-Madrid train, reported that one carriage had flipped over entirely with broken windows. The Interior Minister for the region has activated the emergency protocol, establishing an emergency command post at Adamuz, as per reports from Sky News.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente described the situation as “very serious,” stating that the rear carriages of the Iryo train had detached and intruded onto the opposite track, colliding with the passing Renfe train. The Minister emphasized the need to assist the victims as the exact number of casualties remains uncertain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that the government is collaborating with relevant authorities and emergency services to aid the affected passengers. High-speed train services between Madrid and Andalusia have been halted to facilitate emergency response efforts.
ADIF has announced the suspension of all rail traffic in Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and Huelva at least until Monday, possibly extending into Tuesday. Iryo, the high-speed train operator in Spain, expressed regret over the incident and activated emergency protocols to manage the situation.