Deadly high-speed train collision shocks Spain

Survivors described scenes of terror and chaos after two high-speed trains collided near Córdoba in southern Spain late Sunday, in what has become one of the country’s deadliest railway disasters in more than a decade. Passengers recalled screams, blood-covered train cars and twisted metal following the violent impact.

The crash happened close to the town of Adamuz, about 360 kilometers south of Madrid. At least 40 people were killed and dozens more injured when both trains derailed at high speed, overturning as several carriages plunged down an embankment.

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How the crash happened

Officials said a northbound high-speed train operated by private company Iryo was traveling from Málaga to Madrid when it was struck by a southbound Renfe train heading from Madrid to Huelva. The front cars of the southbound train slammed into the rear three coaches of the northbound train, triggering the derailment.

Prime minister vows full investigation

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the scene on Monday and pledged a thorough and transparent investigation into the causes of the collision. He announced three days of national mourning and assured the public that findings would be shared openly once confirmed.

Sánchez also cancelled his planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he had been scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the government would support victims and their families for as long as necessary.

Victims, survivors and families seek answers

Andalusia’s regional president Juan Manuel Moreno confirmed that 40 people had died and 41 others remained hospitalized. Families and friends of passengers gathered at Córdoba’s Reina Sofía Hospital on Monday, anxiously waiting for information about missing loved ones.

One survivor, Rocío Flores, said passengers were thrown violently through the air during the crash. “I was lucky to survive. Many others were far worse off,” she said.

‘Everything went dark’ inside the trains

Verified video footage showed passengers escaping through windows and climbing out onto the roofs of damaged carriages. Another survivor, Ana, said her train suddenly tipped sideways before darkness and screams filled the cabin.

She was pulled through a window, covered in blood, while firefighters later rescued her sister from the wreckage. Ana described seeing critically injured passengers she could not help, calling the experience devastating.

Rescue efforts and community response

Emergency responders faced major challenges due to severely twisted train cars. Rescue workers reported hearing mobile phones ringing inside the wreckage as relatives desperately tried to reach passengers.

The small town of Adamuz, home to about 4,200 residents, rallied to support victims. Locals and nearby communities provided blankets and supplies, reflecting strong solidarity in the aftermath.

Questions over safety and rail conditions

Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente described the crash as highly unusual, noting it occurred on a straight section of track that had recently undergone major upgrades. Rail experts remain puzzled by the circumstances.

Renfe officials said both trains were traveling below the 250 km/h speed limit and that safety systems were functioning. However, rail unions have previously warned about high-speed vibrations affecting infrastructure, though it is unclear if those concerns are linked to this incident.

National mourning and international condolences

The crash is Spain’s deadliest rail disaster since 2013, when 79 people were killed in Galicia. Spain’s King and Queen expressed deep concern and offered condolences to the families of those who died.

World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, also sent messages of sympathy as investigations into the tragedy continue.