At least 39 killed as two high-speed trains collide near Córdoba, Spain

At least 39 people were killed and dozens more injured after two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in southern Spain, on Sunday evening, authorities said. The collision occurred at about 7:45 p.m., and emergency workers continued to search the wreckage as officials warned the death toll was “not final.” Authorities said the rear cars of a northbound Iryo train bound for Madrid derailed and veered onto the adjacent track, striking an oncoming Renfe train that had left Madrid for Huelva.

Iryo said around 300 passengers were aboard; in a later statement the company said 289 passengers, four crew members and a driver were on its train. Survivors and rescuers described chaotic scenes, and regional officials said some bodies had been found hundreds of feet from the crash site.

Regional emergency services reported dozens hospitalized. In one update 43 people remained hospitalized, with 12 in intensive care and nine in serious condition; another update said 73 people had been hospitalized and 24 were in serious condition, including four children. Residents of nearby Adamuz rushed to help, using cars as makeshift ambulances and bringing food, water and blankets, officials and local witnesses said.

Investigations have been launched and officials said the cause remains unknown.

Key Topics

World, Iryo, Renfe, Adamuz, Córdoba, Spain