At least 39 people were killed and 122 injured when two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz in southern Spain on Sunday night, marking the country's deadliest rail disaster since 2013. The crash occurred 360 km south of Madrid, with rescue operations continuing into Monday amid challenging terrain.
Survivors Recall Chaos
A passenger receiving treatment at a Red Cross center described the moment of impact: "The train tipped to one side, then everything went dark. All I heard were screams." Another survivor recounted helplessly witnessing critically injured victims, stating some "were going to die, and you couldn't do anything."
Logistical Challenges
Emergency teams faced complications due to the remote crash site, accessible only via a single-track road. Spanish Red Cross officials confirmed this hindered ambulance movements during critical early response hours.
Government Response
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez canceled his Davos agenda to visit the site on Monday. Transport Minister Oscar Puente warned the death toll might rise further, with 12 victims currently in intensive care among 48 hospitalized survivors.
State rail operator Renfe confirmed both trains carried approximately 400 passengers combined. Investigations into the cause of the collision are underway as Spain mourns its worst transportation tragedy in 13 years.
