Spain Train Crash: 21 Dead, Dozens Injured in Cordoba Derailment and Collision
A tragic train accident in southern Spain has left at least 21 people dead and dozens more injured. The crash occurred on Sunday evening near Cordoba, when a high-speed train derailed and collided with another oncoming service.
Chaotic Scene as Passengers Escape
Passengers faced a terrifying ordeal as the trains collided. Many used emergency hammers to break windows and crawl out of the wreckage. Videos from the scene showed carriages leaning at dangerous angles, with survivors scrambling to safety.
Witnesses described the impact feeling like an earthquake. Some passengers reported smoke filling the carriages, adding to the panic and confusion. Despite the chaos, a number of people managed to walk away without serious injuries.
Details of the Collision
The accident involved two trains carrying hundreds of passengers. The Malaga–Madrid service, with about 300 people onboard, derailed first. Its tail end went off the rails around 7:45 PM local time.
This train then crossed onto the opposite track and slammed into a Madrid–Huelva train carrying approximately 200 passengers. The collision forced the first two carriages of the second train off the tracks and down a four-metre slope.
Rescue and Medical Response
Rescue operations continued through the night, with hundreds of survivors needing assistance in the dark. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to extract people from the mangled wreckage.
Andalusia’s regional health chief, Antonio Sanz, confirmed that 73 injured passengers were taken to six different hospitals. Medical facilities in Madrid and emergency teams remained on standby to provide additional support.
Local residents also stepped up to help, bringing blankets and water to the scene for the victims. Spain’s military emergency units and the Red Cross joined the rescue efforts.
Official Statements and Investigation
Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente confirmed the casualties, warning that the death toll could rise as authorities work to identify additional victims. He described the crash as "a truly strange" incident.
The accident happened on a flat stretch of track that had been renovated just months earlier in May. Puente noted that the investigation into the cause could take up to a month to complete.
Francisco Carmona, the fire chief of Cordoba, reported that one of the trains was badly mangled, with at least four wagons off the rails. The front section of the Renfe train sustained the most severe damage.
Wider Impact and Reactions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed concern, stating she was following "the terrible news" from Cordoba. The rail operator ADIF has suspended all train services between Madrid and Andalusia until further notice.
This tragic event has shocked the nation and raised questions about rail safety. As rescue teams continue their work, the focus remains on caring for the injured and supporting the families of those affected.
