What is the death toll in the high-speed rail crash in Spain? Latest update on train derailment

At least 39 people have died in a high-speed rail crash in southern Spain, after two trains collided near the Andalusian city of Córdoba on Sunday.

The accident occurred at around 7:45 p.m. local time (1:45 p.m. ET), the Spanish railway-infrastructure authority ADIF said in a statement.

“A train travelling from Málaga to Madrid suffered a derailment in Adamuz (Córdoba), crossing over onto the line next to it,” ADIF said. “On the adjacent line was another train travelling from Madrid to Huelva, which also became derailed.”

The Málaga-Madrid train, carrying 317 passengers, was operated by the private rail company Iryo. The Madrid-Huelva train was an Alvia service run by Renfe, Spain’s state-owned railway company. 184 people were on board.

Current death toll “not definitive”, says transport minister

In a post on the social-media platform X early on Monday, Spain’s transport minister, Óscar Puente, warned that the number of deaths may climb.

“The death toll has now reached 39 and is not definitive,” Puente said. “I wish to express my gratitude for the huge effort of the rescue teams during the night, under very difficult circumstances, and my condolences to the victims and their families in these terribly painful moments.”

A further 152 people have been injured, with 24 in a serious condition, Spanish media reported.

All high-speed rail traffic running between Madrid and Córdoba, Seville, Málaga and Huelva will be suspended throughout Monday “at least”, ADIF said.

How did the Adamuz rail accident happen?

The causes of the initial derailment remain unclear. In a press conference, Puente said the circumstances of the accident have so far left experts baffled.

“It’s an extremity strange accident,” he told reporters. “It happened on a straight stretch of track, and all the experts in rail transportation that we’ve spoken to are hugely surprised by what has happened, because it’s very difficult to explain.

“We hope the investigation [into the crash] will help us to clear up the events.”

“No words can alleviate such immense suffering”

Spain’s prime minster, Pedro Sánchez, said in an X post on Sunday: “Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country due to the tragic railway accident in Adamuz.

“I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. No words can alleviate such immense suffering, but I want them to know that the entire country stands with them in this extremely difficult moment.

“All emergency services are working in a coordinated manner without rest.”

The Spanish king, Felipe VI, and his wife, Queen Letizia, said in a statement on X: “We are following with great concern the serious accident between two high-speed trains in Adamuz.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the deceased, as well as our support and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.”

Thirteen years on from Galicia derailment

Sunday’s accident is Spain’s deadliest rail crash since 80 people were killed in a derailment in Galicia, a region in the country’s north west, in July 2013.

A further 144 were injured in the accident, which occurred when an Alvia train left its tracks near the railway station at the Galician capital city, Santiago de Compostela.

The train was found to have been travelling at more than twice the speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour).

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.