High-speed train derailment in Spain kills 43 and injures over 100, with cockpit communication recording released.
Deadliest Rail Crash in Spain in Over a Decade
On Sunday, January 18, near Adamuz in Cordoba, an Iryo Frecciarossa1000 train heading to Madrid derailed at over 200 km/h and entered the opposite track, causing a head-on collision with a Renfe Alvia train. The Alvia driver had approximately 20 seconds to react, though Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated it was at most nine seconds. The locomotive and first cars fell from the embankment, and the tracks were destroyed. Investigators ruled out excessive speed and error by the Iryo driver. Technicians found a rail crack over 30 centimeters long and damaged sleepers. A faulty or damaged weld may be the cause.
Cockpit Communication Recording Released by Media
On Wednesday, January 21, the Cordopolis service published the recording of conversation with the derailed train’s cabin. The exchange suggests the driver was initially unaware of the severity of the situation, reporting a “hitch” and a blocked train. The driver was initially unaware that another train was involved and had struck the last cars of his own composition, according to the newspaper El Pais, citing sources familiar with the investigation.
Driver’s Second Call to Command Center
Shortly after, the driver called the command center again, reporting that a derailment had occurred and several cars had entered the opposite track, demanding the suspension of traffic on that section. “Tell them we have a derailment, I’m moving to adjacent tracks. Send rescue services, firefighters, ambulances,” the driver said with an anxious voice. However, he did not mention the collision with another train. Controllers assured him that no other train was approaching.
Rail Workers Announce Strike Demanding Safety Guarantees
Spanish train drivers are announcing a strike. The Semaf union demands safety guarantees on the railway following two serious recent accidents – in Adamuz and near Barcelona. The union will also demand punishment of those responsible for railway safety. Sector workers say they will not return to normal in Catalonia until they are sure the network operates safely. “Semaf members are devastated. They consider it unacceptable that the state of Spanish railways continues to deteriorate,” the union stated.
Additional Fatal Accidents in Spanish Rail System
On Sunday, January 18, in Adamuz, Cordoba province, several cars of a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with a train heading to Huelva. 43 people died, including the driver, and over 100 were injured. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, January 20, near Barcelona, there was an accident involving a suburban train. One person died – the driver – and 37 were injured.
