A tragic train accident in Spain has resulted in the loss of 21 lives, with numerous passengers en route to Madrid sustaining injuries as the train veered off its tracks.
The death toll has climbed to 21, with an additional 25 individuals critically injured following the train derailment in Andalusia on Sunday, January 18.
Reports suggest that an Iryo train departing from Malaga with around 300 passengers onboard derailed onto an adjacent track, leading to a collision with a passing train traveling from Madrid to Huelva. This collision caused the derailment of both trains, as confirmed by the national rail operator ADIF.
Distressing images from the scene depict the wreckage of the trains, with one carriage overturned on the tracks. Passengers were observed escaping through shattered windows, while others, injured, sat beside the tracks.
A reporter from RTVE, who was present on the train journey from Cordoba to Madrid, described a carriage as completely overturned with broken windows.
Following the incident, the Minister of the Interior for the region activated the emergency protocol, establishing an emergency command post at Adamuz, as reported by Sky News.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente labeled the situation as “very serious,” explaining that the last carriages of the Iryo train had detached and crossed onto the opposing track, colliding with the Renfe train passing by, causing the first two units of the Renfe train to derail.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep concern over the incident and assured coordinated efforts with relevant authorities and emergency services to aid the affected passengers.
As a result of the accident, all high-speed train services between Madrid and Andalusia have been canceled temporarily while emergency services respond to the crisis. ADIF has announced the suspension of all rail traffic in Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and Huelva at least until the following day.
Iryo, the high-speed train operator in Spain, conveyed regret over the incident and activated emergency procedures to address the situation promptly.
