Tragedy has struck in southern Spain as a catastrophic accident involving two high-speed trains has left at least 21 people dead and 25 others seriously injured, according to local emergency services. This devastating incident occurred around 6:40 PM in Adamuz, close to Cordoba, when a train en route to Madrid derailed onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train, as reported by Adif, the national railway operator.
Authorities have confirmed the loss of 21 lives, with state broadcaster Television Espanola noting that approximately 100 individuals sustained injuries, including 25 who are in critical condition. Among the deceased is the driver of one of the trains, which was traveling from Madrid to Huelva, highlighting the personal tragedies intertwined with this disaster.
In response to the accident, Adif has temporarily halted all rail services between Madrid and the Andalucia region, affecting numerous travelers.
Survivors have shared their harrowing experiences online. Carmen, a passenger on the train to Madrid, recounted her experience via social media platform X, stating, "Just ten minutes after leaving Cordoba, the train began to shake violently, and then we felt it derail from coach 6 behind us. The lights went out completely."
Further footage shared by another passenger depicted a rail staff member in a fluorescent jacket calmly directing passengers to stay seated in the darkened carriages. The staff member advised those trained in first aid to monitor fellow passengers and reassured everyone that they would be evacuated as soon as it was safe. He cautioned travelers to conserve their mobile phone batteries for potential use as flashlights during their escape.
One passenger expressed concern for the well-being of others, saying, "In our carriage, we're okay, but we have no information about the other carriages. There's smoke, and they’re calling for a doctor."
The regional government has activated emergency protocols, mobilizing additional resources to assist at the accident site. Local residents have reported plans to establish a temporary shelter for evacuated passengers in the nearby village, demonstrating community solidarity in this time of crisis.
Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with RTVE, provided further details, mentioning that some passengers resorted to using emergency hammers to break windows and escape the overturned carriages. He described the scene, stating, "We’ve seen two individuals carried out on stretchers, and there’s a sense of uncertainty about when we will reach Madrid or where we will spend the night, as we haven’t received any updates from the train company yet. It’s quite cold here, but we’re coping."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to social media to express her condolences and solidarity, stating, "I am closely following the heartbreaking news from Cordoba. Tonight, you are in my thoughts," underscoring the widespread impact and concern surrounding this tragic event.
