Deadly rail crash: 21 dead, 70 injured as trains smash into each other

Madrid (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic train accident occurred near the city of Cordoba in southern Spain, in which two high-speed trains collided head-on. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said at least 21 people have been confirmed dead in the accident so far, while more than 70 passengers are reported injured. Thirty of them are in critical condition and have been hospitalized.

A high-speed train traveling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying a total of 317 passengers, derailed for unknown reasons near the Adamuz area, about 20 kilometers from Cordoba. After derailing, the train collided with another high-speed train traveling from Madrid to Huelva on the adjacent line. The collision also derailed the second train. Minister Puente described the accident as horrific and said that the last two coaches of the Malaga-Madrid train collided with the first two coaches of the oncoming train, causing significant damage to both trains.

Emergency services from the Andalusia region rushed to the scene immediately after receiving news of the incident. Locals also responded, transporting passengers with minor injuries to a nearby center where they received first aid. Spain's military emergency unit was also deployed to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to the families of the victims. He wrote on the social media platform X, "This is a very painful night for the country." The Spanish royal family also issued a message of condolence.

Officials said rescue operations continued late into the night and the death toll was expected to rise. Services on the affected rail routes will remain suspended until at least Tuesday. Railway company Edif has set up information centers and a helpline number for passengers' families at Madrid's Atocha station, Malaga, and Huelva. Spain's worst rail accident occurred in July 2013, when 79 people died after a train derailed due to excessive speed.