At least 21 people have died and about 25 were seriously injured after the derailment of two high-speed trains in the municipality of Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba, southern Spain, on the night of Sunday (18). The information was confirmed by the Guardia Civil, according to information from the EFE agency.
The accident occurred around 7:40 pm local time (3:40 pm Brasília time), when the Iryo company train, which had departed from Málaga bound for Madrid, derailed at the entry switches of the line. The last three carriages came off the rails and crossed into the adjacent track, where another long-distance Renfe train, heading to Huelva, was traveling, and also derailed.
On the Iryo train there were 317 passengers. On the Renfe train, authorities had not yet confirmed the total number of people on board up to the latest update, but rescue teams estimate about 200 occupants. Combined, the two trains carried nearly 500 people.
Rescue operations mobilized a large contingent. The Andalusian Health Councilor stated that all people located on the tracks are receiving medical attention, but highlighted that the situation is complex at the point where some carriages fell down a slope, which hinders access by the teams. According to him, two or three carriages plunged into a difficult-to-reach area, delaying rescue efforts.
Authorities warned that the number of victims could rise.
According to sources from the Royal Household, King Felipe VI is following the development of the accident with great concern and remains in permanent contact with the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, and with the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, to be updated on the situation.
