A catastrophic rail collision involving two high-speed trains near the Andalusian town of Adamuz has resulted in significant casualties, with at least five fatalities and dozens injured. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a Malaga-to-Madrid service derailed and collided with an opposing Madrid-to-Huelva train, according to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif.
Emergency response teams mobilized rapidly to the scene following the derailment, which took place approximately ten minutes after the Malaga train’s 18:40 local time departure. Andalusia’s emergency services reported at least 25 individuals sustained serious injuries, with numerous others suffering minor harm. The private rail operator Iryo confirmed approximately 300 passengers were aboard the Malaga-Madrid service at the time of the accident.
Eyewitness Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with RTVE who was traveling in the first carriage, described the experience as resembling an earthquake. ‘They immediately called to see if there were healthcare professionals who could assist,’ Jimenez recounted. ‘They used hammers to break windows and eventually evacuated us.’
In response to the tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced government coordination with emergency services to support affected individuals. Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno similarly expressed profound concern and solidarity with victims and their families. All rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended indefinitely as investigation into the cause of the derailment continues.