Credited from: LEMONDE
Spain initiated three days of national mourning on Tuesday for the 41 individuals killed in a high-speed train collision. This disaster, occurring near Adamuz in the southern Andalusia region, is the deadliest train accident in Spain since 2013. The crash involved a train operated by Iryo traveling from Malaga to Madrid, which derailed and crossed onto another track, colliding with an oncoming train, also causing it to derail, according to aa and channelnewsasia.
As the aftermath unfolded, heavy machinery was deployed to lift the damaged carriages, allowing rescuers access to more victims. The local government confirmed over 120 injuries, with 39 individuals, including four children, remaining hospitalized. Flags were lowered to half-mast across public buildings while cabinet ministers limited their public appearances to honor the deceased, reports CBS News and Le Monde.
Juan Manuel Moreno, the head of the Andalusian regional government, indicated that further details regarding the death toll would take "24 to 48 hours" to confirm, as the investigation into the crash continues. The Transportation Minister described the occurrence as "extremely strange" given that the trains were traveling on a straight, recently renovated section of track, and human error has been largely ruled out, according to aa and channelnewsasia.
Survivor accounts reveal the terrifying nature of the crash. One passenger described it as "like a horror movie," noting a strong impact and chaos inside the train. Meanwhile, reports state that relatives of the victims scrambled for information as the tragedy unfolded, emphasizing the emotional toll on families and friends, as highlighted by CBS News and Le Monde.