At least 39 people have died and dozens more have been injured following a collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain, according to the country’s Civil Guard.
The crash, which occurred near the city of Córdoba, has been described by local authorities as Spain’s deadliest rail disaster in more than ten years.
Here is what has been confirmed so far.
At Least 39 Dead In High-Speed Train Collision
Where Did The Crash Occur?
The accident happened at approximately 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT) on Sunday, roughly one hour after one of the trains departed Málaga bound for Madrid.
According to rail infrastructure operator Adif, that train derailed and crossed onto the opposite track.
It then struck an oncoming train traveling south from Madrid to Huelva, Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente said. The force of the impact pushed the Huelva-bound train into an embankment alongside the tracks.
Puente added that most of the fatalities and serious injuries occurred in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.
A map graphic shows the crash location near Córdoba.
What Caused The Crash?
The exact cause of the derailment remains unknown.
Officials have confirmed that a formal investigation is under way, though authorities say it is unlikely to reach conclusions for at least a month.
Transport Minister Puente described the incident as “extremely strange”, noting that railway experts consulted by the government are deeply perplexed by what led to the collision.
Are People Still Trapped Inside The Trains?
Approximately 400 passengers and crew members were aboard the two trains, which were operated by Iryo and Alvia, according to state-owned rail company Renfe.
It remains unclear whether anyone is still trapped inside the wreckage, but emergency and rescue teams continue to work at the scene.
“The difficulty is that the carriages are twisted, and the metal has wrapped around the people inside,” said Francisco Carmona, head of firefighters in Córdoba, speaking to Spanish broadcaster RTVE.
“We have even had to remove a deceased person in order to reach someone who was still alive. It is extremely difficult and delicate work,” he added.
Who Are The Victims?
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the 39 people confirmed dead, and Minister Puente warned that the death toll may rise as investigations and rescue operations continue.
As of Monday morning, 112 people had received medical treatment, according to local emergency services. Forty-eight remain hospitalised.
Among those still receiving hospital care:
- Five are minors, including one in intensive care
- Eleven adults are also being treated in intensive care units
