A collision of trains occurred in southern Spain on Sunday (7:45 pm local time) when two trains crashed into each other, leading to death of at least 39 people and injuring dozens more.
A high-speed train travelling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying approximately 300 people, derailed at Cordoba and collided head-on with another high-speed train travelling from Madrid to Huelva, carrying approximately 200 people.
The police confirmed on Monday morning that the previous toll that stood at 21 initially has risen to at least 39 and that emergency workers are still working to find additional victims. In addition, many people suffered injuries from the two trains crashing together and rescue operations continued throughout the day.
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'Accident very unusual'
Spanish Transport minister, Oscar Puente, stated that the reason for the accident remains unknown. He told the media at a news conference held at the Atocha Station in Madrid that it was "very unusual" for a train to go off the rails on a straight section of the track and more so since that particular piece of track was recently reconstructed in May.
"There are approximately 30 persons who have been taken to various hospitals in critical condition," Puente said and added, "All the injured have been evacuated to hospitals for medical assistance."
At a news conference, Antonio Sanz, who is the head emergency service official in Andalusia, stated at least 73 people were injured. He stated that the death toll is "likely to see an increase", while adding that "a very complicated night awaits us".
Passengers recall 'horror'
NDTV quoted a passenger telling a Spanish public television about the traumatic mishap. The second train passenger who was on her way to Huelva identified herself as "Montse", and described how, after a jolt, the train came to an abrupt halt with all the lights turning off.
She recalled how she was thrown from one side of the carriage to the other and seeing bags fall onto the people who were sitting with her.
"The attendant behind me hit her head and was bleeding. There were children crying," she added. "Luckily, I was in the last car. I feel like I was given a second chance at life."
Speaking to La Sexta television, survivor Lucas Meriako, who was riding the first train that derailed, explained that "it was like a horror film".
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"We received an incredible jolt from behind, followed by the feeling that the train would come apart," he stated and added that many people were "injured due to the glass".
Condolences pour in
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to the kin of victims and asserted that all emergency services were working in a coordinated manner without any rest.
"Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country due to the tragic railway accident in Adamuz. No words can alleviate such immense suffering, but I want them to know that the entire country stands with them in this extremely difficult moment," he said on X.
The royal palace on X stated that King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia were closely monitoring events and stated, "We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who died, as well as our love and wishes for a quick recovery for the injured."
Among those extending condolences were French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
