What we know about Spain's worst rail accident in over a decade

Yahoo
Yahoo
23m ago
The crash near Córdoba has killed at least 39 people, with the derailment cause still unknown and a formal investigation underway as rescue operations continue.
What we know about Spain's worst rail accident in over a decade

Key insights

  • 1

    Derailment preceded the collision: Adif said one train derailed and crossed onto the opposite track before colliding with an oncoming train.

  • 2

    Casualties concentrated in specific carriages: Transport Minister Óscar Puente said most of those killed and injured were in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.

  • 3

    Investigation timeline may be lengthy: Officials said the investigation is not expected to determine what happened for at least a month.

A What happened
Spain’s Civil Guard said at least 39 people died and dozens were injured after two high-speed trains collided near the city of Córdoba in southern Spain, described by local officials as the country’s worst rail crash in more than a decade. The crash happened around 19:45 local time on Sunday, about an hour after one train left Málaga for Madrid. Rail operator Adif said the train derailed and crossed to the opposite track, where it collided with an oncoming train traveling from south Madrid to Huelva; Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the Huelva-bound train was forced into an embankment alongside the track. Puente said most of the deaths and injuries were in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train. The cause of the derailment is unclear; officials said an investigation has been launched and is not expected to determine what happened for at least a month. Local media reported that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit the scene while rescue efforts remain ongoing.

Topics

Investigations Law & Public Safety Public Safety Accidents & Fires

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