The train, operated by rail company Iryo, was traveling from Malaga to Madrid with 371 people onboard when its rear three carriages derailed and crashed into the front two carriages of another high-speed train traveling in the opposite direction, officials said.
The collision, near Adamuz in the southern region of Andalusia, caused both trains to overturn at speed, news agency EFE reported, with the front carriages of the second train sent plunging down an embankment.
The death toll rose to 39 on Monday morning, EFE reported, citing sources. At least 73 passengers were injured, including 24 in serious condition, emergency officials said on X.
Passengers were seen scrambling out of windows of the trains and others escaped via the roof, in video verified by CNN.
The driver of the second train, an Alvia service traveling from Madrid to to the southwestern city of Huelva, was among the dead, EFE reported, citing sources at state-owned rail company Renfe – which owns and operates Alvia
A mother whose daughter was traveling in the fourth carriage said her child called her in tears just minutes after the crash, describing the scene as a catastrophe with an incredible number of people dead.
“At that moment, she hung up on me. There was no coverage,” the woman told EFE from Huelva train station where distressed relatives are awaiting news of missing passengers.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief across Spain, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling it a “night of deep pain” for the country. European leaders were quick to send their condolences.
