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 derailed from its tracks. The death toll has climbed to 21, with 25 individuals critically injured following the derailment in Andalusia on Sunday, January 18.
The incident involved an Iryo train traveling from Malaga with around 300 passengers on board. The train went off its tracks onto an adjacent track, leading to a collision with another train heading from Madrid to Huelva, causing both trains to derail, as reported by the national rail operator ADIF.
Distressing images from the scene depict the severe damage to the locomotives, including one carriage lying on its side on the tracks. Passengers were witnessed fleeing through shattered windows, while others were seen sitting by the tracks, injured and awaiting assistance.
A reporter from RTVE, who was on the train from Cordoba to Madrid, described one carriage as completely overturned with broken windows. The Minister of the Interior for the region has activated the emergency protocol, setting up an emergency command post in Adamuz, according to Sky News.
Spain’s Transport Minister, Oscar Puente, labeled the situation as “very serious,” stating that the last carriages of the Iryo train veered onto the opposite track, colliding with a Renfe train passing by, resulting in the Renfe train’s first two units being thrown off.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep concern over the incident, assuring that the government is collaborating with relevant authorities and emergency services to aid the affected passengers. Subsequently, all high-speed train services between Madrid and Andalusia have been canceled to facilitate emergency response efforts.
ADIF has announced the suspension of all rail services across Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and Huelva at least until Monday, possibly extending into Tuesday. Iryo, the high-speed train operator in Spain, conveyed regret over the incident and activated emergency protocols to address the situation promptly.