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Seven killed, over 100 injured as two high-speed trains derail in southern Spain
At least seven people were killed and more than 100 injured after two high-speed trains derailed in southern Spain on Sunday, according to Spanish state television RTVE, citing police sources.
The accident occurred near Adamuz in Cordoba province at around 6:40pm local time, shortly after an Iryo train departed Cordoba for Madrid. Police have confirmed seven fatalities, while around 100 people were injured, including at least 25 who are reported to be in serious condition.
Spain’s rail network operator Adif said the Iryo 6189 train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crashed onto an adjacent track, causing a second train travelling from Madrid to Huelva to also derail. Following the incident, Adif suspended all rail services between Madrid and the Andalusia region.
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The Iryo train involved was a Freccia 1000, operated by private rail company Iryo, which is majority-owned by Italian state-controlled railway group Ferrovie dello Stato. Emergency services in Andalusia said all rail traffic in the area was halted and multiple ambulances and rescue vehicles were dispatched to the site.
Passengers described moments of panic as the train shook violently before derailing. One passenger said the lights went out and smoke filled parts of the train, while others reported calls for medical assistance inside the carriages. Footage shared on social media showed train staff instructing passengers to remain seated in the dark until it was safe to evacuate.
RTVE journalist Salvador Jimenez, who was on board the Iryo train, said passengers smashed windows using emergency hammers to escape and that injured people were carried out on stretchers. He added that many passengers remained uncertain about onward travel and overnight arrangements as temperatures dropped.
The regional government has activated emergency protocols to mobilise additional resources, while local authorities arranged temporary shelters for evacuated passengers. The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined, and investigations are underway.
