The death toll from a high-speed train collision on Sunday evening in southern Spain has risen to at least 39, according to updated figures confirmed by the Interior Ministry on Monday.
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Earlier reports had put the death toll at 24 from the disaster, which occurred in Andalusia, roughly 200 km north of Málaga.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente warned on X that “the impact was horrific” and that the death toll is likely to rise given “very concerning” information about the accident.
He later told reporters that 30 people were seriously injured and transferred to hospitals.
Images broadcast by public channel TVE showed the two trains involved in the collision surrounded by crowds, while ambulances and emergency teams worked to assist the injured.
According to the Transport Minister, the last carriages of an IRIO train departing Málaga toward Madrid “went off the tracks” near Adamuz, about 200 km north of Málaga, and collided with a RENFE train traveling in the opposite direction on an adjacent track toward Huelva.
Puente added that the impact between the two trains, carrying hundreds of passengers, was so severe that “the first two carriages of the RENFE train were derailed.”
The Civil Guard reported at least 21 fatalities, while regional Andalusian authorities confirmed at least 73 injuries, warning that “a very difficult night awaits us.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he is “closely monitoring” developments and that the central government in Madrid is cooperating with relevant authorities. He described the night as “one of deep sorrow” and posted on X addressing the victims’ loved ones: “No words can ease this pain, but I want you to know the entire nation stands with you in these difficult times.”
The Spanish royal family issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the “serious accident” and extended “sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.”
Rescue teams reported that passengers were trapped inside the carriages. Córdoba Fire Department Chief Francisco Carmona told TVE that “the metal structure [of the trains] is twisted, and people are inside. Everything is completely destroyed.” He added, “We had to move bodies to reach the survivors.”
A public radio RNE correspondent traveling on one of the trains described the collision as similar to an “earthquake” that shook the train, with passengers using emergency hammers to break windows and escape.
According to Spanish media, the IRIO train carried more than 300 people, while the RENFE train had over 100 passengers.
Andalusian regional governor Juan Manuel Moreno said on X: “We have dispatched emergency and logistical support teams to the accident site to provide necessary assistance.”
Prime Minister Sánchez confirmed the government is working closely with authorities and emergency teams to assist passengers.
At Madrid’s Atocha station, Madrid regional governor Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced that support teams will be deployed to help affected families. Authorities have suspended train services between Madrid and Andalusia.
AFP
