Spain Train Crash: At Least 39 Dead After High-Speed Collision Near Adamuz

A high-speed train crash in southern Spain has claimed at least 39 lives, with many more injured, after a Madrid-bound train derailed and collided with an oncoming service.

The collision occurred at 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT) on Sunday near Adamuz, around an hour after the train left Málaga. The Madrid-bound train reportedly crossed over into the opposite track, striking a southbound service travelling from Madrid to Huelva.

Passengers described the impact as violent, with one survivor saying he felt a jolt and feared the train would break apart. The majority of fatalities and injuries occurred in the front carriages of the southbound train.

Terrifying Impact

A passenger on the Madrid-bound service told local media the crash felt like a sudden, powerful jolt, and that he feared the train was going to disintegrate.

Another survivor, Rocío Flores, 30, said passengers were thrown into the air during the collision. She is receiving treatment in a hospital in Córdoba, and described the experience as “terrible,” noting that several people were far worse off than her.

Unusual Crash on Straight Track

Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the crash occurred on a straight section of track, calling the incident “extremely strange.” This has raised questions over how a derailment could happen in such conditions.

Rail company Iryo said the Madrid-bound train was relatively new, built in 2022, and had been inspected just four days before the accident.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The Guardia Civil said more than 220 officers are involved in rescue and recovery operations at the crash site. In a post on X, the law enforcement agency shared video of the ongoing work and said efforts are also focused on identifying victims.

As investigations continue, authorities are yet to confirm the full scale of the damage or the final death toll.