Spain: at least 39 reported dead after two high-speed trains collide

At least 39 people died and 122 were injured after two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz in Cordoba, Spain; officials say an Iryo service derailed and a second train struck the derailed carriages or debris, and authorities have opened an investigation and established a DNA office for relatives.

At least 39 people died and 122 were injured after two high-speed trains collided on Sunday night near Adamuz in the province of Cordoba in southern Spain. Officials reported that an Iryo train en route from Malaga to Madrid derailed and that a second high-speed service struck the derailed train or debris shortly afterwards. Rescue teams faced difficulties reaching the site because access is via a single-track road in a hilly area. Senior officials, including the prime minister and the transport minister, travelled to the scene and an investigation has been opened. What officials say: - Emergency services reported at least 39 dead and 122 injured, with 12 people in intensive care. - Renfe’s president said the Iryo train derailed while travelling from Malaga to Madrid at about 110 kph and that a second train arriving at about 200 kph struck the derailed carriages or debris roughly 20 seconds later. - Rescue operations were complicated by the site’s remote access; senior government officials visited the scene. - Authorities have opened an investigation, set up an office in Cordoba to collect DNA from relatives for identification, and said the cause remains undetermined while human error was described as "virtually ruled out" by a rail official. Summary: The collision has produced significant casualties and prompted a major emergency response and investigation. Officials are collecting DNA samples to help identify the deceased and investigators are continuing work at the scene. The cause of the crash remains undetermined at this time.