Visual Cues: Accident Occurs Just Past Rail Switch Points

On Sunday afternoon, a tragic train collision occurred near Adamuz, northeast of Córdoba, involving two high-speed trains. A total of 481 passengers were on board at the time of the accident. The incident claimed at least 39 lives and left over 100 injured.

Overview of the Incident

The collision involved Iryo Train 6189, which had departed from Malaga with 294 passengers heading to Madrid, and Alvia Train 2384, traveling from Madrid to Huelva with 187 passengers. The accident occurred around 19:45 local time when the Iryo train invaded the adjacent track, according to railway manager Adif.

Accident Details

• Location: Adamuz, northeast of Córdoba
• Time of Incident: 19:45
• Trains Involved:
  • Iryo 6189 – 8 carriages, 294 passengers
  • Alvia 2384 – 4 carriages, 187 passengers
• Casualties:
  • 39 fatalities
  • More than 100 injured
  • 43 hospitalized, including 12 in intensive care
• Speed: Both trains were traveling slightly below the segment’s speed limit of 250 km/h.

Investigation into the Cause

Investigators are looking into whether a rail switch mechanism played a role in the disaster. Footage from the Guardia Civil helicopter showed the severity of the damage, with two rear carriages of the Iryo derailing. The Alvia train was unable to avoid colliding with these carriages, pushing them approximately 200 meters off the track.

Aftermath of the Collision

The wreckage saw the first two carriages of the Alvia train tumble down a four-meter slope, crashing into a rock wall. The accident site, a straight stretch of track in the Madrid-Sevilla line, had recently undergone substantial renovations costing €700 million.

Historical Context

This incident marks the third deadliest train accident in Spain since the 1970s. In the past year alone, Adif reported at least eight incidents at the Adamuz station, raising concerns about safety measures in place.

The aftermath continues to unfold as authorities work to uncover definitive causes and enhance safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.