Agadir – On Sunday night, a train collision in southern Spain killed more than 39 people and injured at least 150, marking one of the deadliest rail disasters in the European country in recent years.
The high‑speed Iryo service traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz and veered onto an adjacent track. Moments later, it tragically collided with a Renfe Alvia train coming from Madrid to Huelva.
The force of the impact caused both trains to leave the rails entirely, with at least two carriages of the Renfe train tumbling down an embankment several meters below track level. The trains were carrying around 400 passengers at the time of the collision.
“The last carriages of the Iryo train heading to Madrid have derailed, causing these cars to enter the opposite track, where at that moment a Renfe train was traveling toward Huelva. The impact was terrible, causing the first two carriages of the Renfe train to be thrown off as a result,” said Transport Minister Óscar Puente.
The authorities confirmed that at least 39 people were killed in the collision, with the toll likely to change as recovery efforts continue. More than 150 people were reported injured, including dozens in serious or critical condition.
Survivors described the moments of the crash as chaotic and terrifying. Some passengers reported that the derailment “felt like an earthquake,” and emergency responders had to break windows and use tools to assist those trapped inside the wrecked carriages.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the crash as a national tragedy and canceled his official schedule to coordinate with emergency authorities and visit the site of the accident.
He shared a post on X stating that “today is a night of deep sorrow for our country due to the tragic train accident in Adamuz. I want to express my sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.”
“No words can ease such great suffering, but I want you to know that the entire country stands with you in this very difficult moment. All emergency services are working tirelessly and in coordinated efforts,” he added.
Transport Minister Puente expressed his gratitude towards the rescue team for the difficult work they were dealing with from the beginning of the incident, adding his “condolences to the victims and their families in these terrible moments.”
