Spain's deadliest train crash in decade kills 39 near Adamuz

A high-speed train derailed and was hit by another in southern Spain on Sunday evening, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 120 in the country's deadliest rail accident since 2013. The crash occurred near Adamuz in Andalucia when a train operated by Iryo travelling from Malaga to Madrid veered onto the opposite track and collided with an oncoming train, which also derailed. At least 123 people were injured, including five in critical condition and 24 seriously hurt, according to Spanish authorities. Transport Minister Oscar Puente called the accident "extremely strange" and "very difficult to explain," noting the train was "practically new," the track had been completely renovated, and it happened on a straight section—not a curved curve like the 2013 Santiago de Compostela crash that killed 80. The Iryo locomotive was built in 2022 and inspected just days before, on January 15. About 300 passengers were on the Iryo train; Renfe, operator of the second train, has not yet released passenger numbers. Rescue efforts were described as "hard, tricky work" due to twisted carriages trapping passengers. Survivors described chaos and horror. "We felt a very strong hit from behind and the feeling that the whole train was about to collapse," said Lucas Meriako. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI expressed condolences. With Spain having Europe’s largest high-speed network, this raises immediate questions about safety oversight on even recently renovated lines. What safety investigations should passengers expect, and how should rail operators reassess inspection protocols for new and modern trains?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/19/high-speed-train-collision-in-spain-kills-39-injures-dozens/