21 Killed as High-Speed Trains Derail in Spain
Tragedy struck in southern Spain as at least 21 individuals lost their lives and 25 others sustained severe injuries in a catastrophic train derailment. This incident involved two high-speed trains colliding near Adamuz, close to Cordoba, on a Sunday evening.
Details of the Accident
The collision occurred at approximately 6:40 PM local time. One of the trains, traveling from Madrid, derailed and veered into the path of an oncoming train, as reported by the Spanish rail operator Adif. The scale of the disaster is evident, with emergency responders encountering significant wreckage on site.
Casualties and Injuries
- Fatalities: 21 confirmed dead.
- Injuries: 100 people injured, with 25 in serious condition.
- Notable Victims: The driver of the Madrid to Huelva train was among those who perished.
Emergency Response
In light of the accident, all rail services between Madrid and the Andalucia region have been suspended. The regional government activated emergency protocols to provide necessary resources for the response effort.
Passenger Accounts
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos onboard. A passenger named Carmen described how the train began to shake shortly after departing Cordoba, leading to the derailment. Another passenger shared footage showing staff instructing travelers to remain calm and stay in their seats.
Passengers were encouraged to conserve phone batteries to aid in their evacuation, as smoke filled some carriages. Reports indicate that several travelers utilized emergency hammers to escape from overturned cars.
Community Support
Local residents reacted quickly by establishing a shelter for evacuated passengers. As news spread, there have been additional calls for medical assistance and support for those affected by the tragedy.
International Reactions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences, stating she was closely monitoring the situation in Cordoba. Her statement reinforces the impact of this event not just locally, but across Europe.
This unfortunate incident emphasizes the necessity for improved safety measures in high-speed rail transport. The ramifications of this crash will likely prompt further investigations into railway safety protocols in Spain and beyond.
