The Accident At least 39 people have died in a terrible train crash in southern Spain. It is the worst rail accident the country has seen in over ten years.
Speed train crash in Spain
The crash happened on Sunday evening near a town called Adamuz. A high-speed train traveling to Madrid suddenly went off the tracks (derailed). It crossed over to the other side and hit another train that was coming from the opposite direction.
The Victims There were 400 passengers and staff on the two trains.
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Dead: At least 39 people.
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Injured: Emergency workers treated 122 people. Currently, 43 people remain in the hospital, including four children. 13 people are in intensive care (very serious condition).
Why Did It Happen? Officials do not know the cause yet. Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, called the accident “extremely strange.” He said experts are confused because the train went off the tracks on a straight section, not a curve. An investigation is underway, but it may take a month to find the answer.
Rescue Efforts Rescuing survivors was very difficult because the train cars were twisted and damaged. One fire chief said they had to move bodies to reach living people trapped inside.
One passenger, a journalist named Salvador Jimenez, said the crash felt like an “earthquake.”
Reaction
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Train Services: All trains between Madrid and the Andalusia region are stopped for now.
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Leaders: Spain’s Prime Minister called it a “night of deep pain.” The King and Queen of Spain sent their love and support to the families. Leaders from France and Italy also sent their condolences.
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