At least five people have been killed and several others injured as per recient reports after a horrific collision involving two high-speed trains in southern Spain. The crash occurred Sunday evening when one train derailed and careened into the path of an oncoming service, causing a catastrophic impact and derailing both.
What Happened in the Spain Train Crash?
A high-speed Iryo train, service number 6189, traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near the Adamuz station in the Córdoba province at approximately 5:40 PM local time (11:10 PM IST). According to Spain’s rail infrastructure manager, ADIF, the derailed train jumped onto the adjacent track. It then collided with an oncoming high-speed train traveling from Madrid to Huelva, which was also derailed in the impact. The force of the collision caused significant damage to both trains.
What is the Current Death Toll and Rescue Status?
Spanish authorities have confirmed at least five fatalities from the crash. An unspecified number of passengers have also been injured, with emergency services providing urgent medical care on site. At least nine ambulances and many emergency support vehicles were sent to the isolated incident site as part of the Andalusia emergency services’ massive response. To make sure every passenger is found and evacuated, rescue efforts are still in progress.
How Are Train Services Being Affected?
The crash has caused a major disruption to Spain’s high-speed rail network. ADIF has announced the complete interruption of all high-speed services on the critical Madrid-Andalusia route. Rail traffic in the area has been entirely halted to facilitate the emergency response and subsequent investigation. However, commercial services on other lines, including those connecting Madrid to Toledo, Ciudad Real, and Puertollano, are reportedly operating normally.
Who Operates the Trains Involved?
The derailed train, Iryo 6189, is operated by Iryo, a private, Italian-run rail company that is one of the main competitors on Spain’s high-speed network. Iryo began operations in 2022. The company and Spanish rail authorities are cooperating with the emergency response. The identity of the operator for the Madrid-to-Huelva service has not been immediately specified in initial reports.
Has There Been a Similar Recent Incident?
This tragedy follows another major rail disaster earlier in the week. In Thailand, a crane collapse on a high-speed rail construction site caused a passing train to derail and catch fire, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens. That incident occurred as a train was traveling from Bangkok to northeastern Thailand, highlighting global concerns over rail construction and operational safety.
