At least 39 killed in high-speed train collision near Córdoba, Spain

At least 39 people were killed and scores injured after two high-speed trains collided near the town of Adamuz, close to Córdoba in southern Spain, around 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday. A provisional investigative report said the last two cars of a northbound Iryo train derailed as it approached Adamuz station, crossed the opposite track and collided with an oncoming southbound Renfe Alvia train; the first two cars of the Renfe train fell down a 12-foot embankment.

Records show one train was traveling about 127 m.p.h. and the other about 130 m.p.h., with a speed limit of roughly 150 m.p.h., and Renfe’s president said the tragedy was not caused by "a speeding issue." Spain’s transport minister called the accident "extremely strange," noting it occurred on a straight stretch of track.

Authorities said about 43 victims remained hospitalized on Monday, including 12 in intensive care, nine of them in serious condition. Iryo said around 300 passengers were on its train; Renfe has not released a passenger count for the other train. Survivors and rescuers described bodies thrown from mangled cars, residents using vehicles as makeshift ambulances and chaotic scenes at the crash site.

Officials said heavy machinery would be brought in and that DNA analysis was being used to identify some victims.

Key Topics

World, Adamuz Derailment, Iryo, Renfe, Córdoba, High-speed Rail