Spain is reeling after one of its deadliest rail disasters in more than a decade, as a high-speed train collision near Córdoba claimed at least 39 lives and left dozens injured. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening around 7:45 pm local time, when two trains crashed on the same stretch of track, triggering scenes of chaos and devastation.
Emergency services confirmed that 122 people were treated for injuries, while 48 passengers, including five children, remain hospitalised. Several train carriages derailed and toppled over, plunging passengers into darkness moments after impact. Survivors recalled terrifying moments as windows shattered and people were thrown to the floor, scrambling to escape the wreckage.
As rescue operations continued through the night, families of missing passengers turned to social media, sharing photographs and appeals for information. Many relatives rushed between hospitals in nearby cities, desperately searching for loved ones.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the affected area and announced three days of national mourning. He pledged a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash, stressing that the country deserves clear answers. Authorities have not yet determined what led to the collision, though Spain’s state-run rail operator Renfe has ruled out excessive speed or human error in the early stages of the probe.
The crash has also disrupted major transport links across southern Spain. High-speed rail services connecting Madrid with Córdoba, Seville, Málaga and Huelva have been suspended until Friday. Renfe is arranging alternative travel options, including additional services on other routes, to minimise disruption for passengers.
Residents of nearby towns described an unprecedented emergency response, with police, ambulances and firefighters flooding the area. Locals helped survivors by offering water, blankets and basic assistance at the crash site, highlighting a strong sense of community amid the tragedy.
As Spain mourns the victims, the focus now turns to understanding how such a disaster occurred and ensuring accountability. The government has emphasised that the investigation will be conducted with full transparency, as the nation seeks closure and measures to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
