A high-speed train collision in southern Spain has killed at least 39 people, with Poland’s Foreign Ministry confirming no Polish citizens among the victims.
Polish Foreign Ministry Statement
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Monday that there is no information any Poles were affected by the train tragedy in Spain. Polish consular services remain in contact with Spanish rescue authorities.
Adamuz Train Collision Details
The accident occurred in Adamuz, near Cordoba, southern Spain, on Sunday evening, January 18. Two high-speed trains collided – the private Iryo train from Malaga to Madrid and the Alvia train from Madrid to Huelva.
Preliminary reports indicate the last three carriages of one train derailed before colliding with an oncoming train. Some carriages then slid down a multi-meter embankment.
Casualty Figures
The disaster has claimed at least 39 lives. According to the latest information, 152 people were injured and transported to hospitals, with five in critical condition and 24 in serious condition.
Investigation Begins
Following the conclusion of rescue operations, an investigation into the accident’s causes will commence. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente described the incident as “very strange,” noting it occurred on a straight track section renovated in May 2023 with a practically new train.
Previous Safety Concerns
Spain’s Train Drivers’ Union SEMAF had previously reported track irregularities to railway infrastructure manager ADIF on the Madrid-Seville-Malaga high-speed line, including on the section where the collision occurred. The union had warned about track cracks and an unstable overhead line network that caused daily failures.
