The reason for the crash remains unknown. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said at a press conference at Atocha station in Madrid that it was “really strange” for a derailment to occur on a straight stretch of track. He added that the section had been renewed in May.
A regional health chief said 18 injured people had already been taken to hospital. Some were reported to have life-threatening injuries. State broadcaster Television Espanola said the driver of one of the trains travelling from Madrid to Huelva was among those killed. The broadcaster also reported that about 100 people were injured, including 25 seriously.
“The Iryo 6189 Malaga - (to Madrid) train has derailed from the track at Adamuz, crashing onto the adjacent track. The (Madrid) to Huelva train which was travelling on the adjacent track has also derailed,” rail network operator Adif said in a social media post.
Adif said the crash occurred at 6:40 p.m. (1740 GMT), around 10 minutes after the Iryo train left Cordoba heading towards Madrid.
Trains and operators involved
Iryo, a private rail operator majority-owned by the Italian state-controlled railway group Ferrovie dello Stato, operated the first train. The service involved was a Freccia 1000 travelling between Malaga and Madrid, a spokesperson for Ferrovie dello Stato said.
The company said it deeply regretted the incident and had activated all emergency protocols to work closely with the relevant authorities.
The second train was an Alvia service run by Renfe. El Pais reported it was travelling at around 200 km (124 miles) per hour at the time of impact. Renfe said its train derailed after the Iryo service entered its path and that emergency teams were still recovering passengers.
Renfe added that its president was travelling to the crash site and that the company was supporting passengers and their families.
Services suspended and emergency response
Adif has suspended all rail services between Madrid and Andalusia. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cleared his diary for Monday to deal with the tragedy. A spokesperson said the Spanish King and Queen were following developments with concern.
Foreign embassies sent messages to staff asking them to confirm their safety. Troops from a nearby military base were deployed to assist rescue and recovery efforts, the Military Emergency Service confirmed.
The Iryo train was carrying more than 300 passengers. The Renfe train had around 100 people on board.
