A high-speed train derailment occurred in the southern Spanish province of Córdoba on the evening of the 18th, resulting in at least 21 deaths and 73 injuries. Rescue efforts are hampered by the deformation of the carriages.
After one high-speed train derailed, it collided with an oncoming train, causing the other train to be pushed off the tracks.
There were approximately 400 people on the two high-speed trains. The first derailed train had about 100 people, who have already been evacuated.
Córdoba Province Fire Chief Camona stated that the other train was carrying more than 300 passengers. He described severe damage to the train cars, with twisted steel and deformed seats. “There are still people trapped at the scene, and we cannot yet confirm the number of fatalities. The rescue efforts are currently focused on extracting people from confined spaces.”
He said: "We must first remove the bodies in order to reach any potential survivors; this task is extremely difficult."
Prime Minister: A Deeply Grieving Night
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez posted on social media, calling this a “deeply grieving night,” and stated that the government is working together with relevant departments to make every effort to rescue the passengers.