Spain Declares Three Days of Mourning After Train Crash That Killed at Least 40

Spain has begun three days of national mourning after a catastrophic high-speed train crash in southern Spain left at least 40 people dead, officials said, as emergency teams continue recovery and investigation efforts.

The accident occurred on Sunday evening (January 18) near Adamuz, when a high-speed train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train bound for Huelva.

The force of the impact caused several carriages to plunge down a slope and scatter wreckage over a wide area, making recovery operations extremely difficult. Rescue crews have reported that bodies have been found hundreds of meters from the crash site.

Spanish police and regional authorities confirmed that at least 40 people were killed, and warned that the death toll could rise as more bodies may still be trapped in the twisted wreckage. Dozens of others were injured, with many taken to hospitals in serious condition. DNA identification efforts are underway to help families confirm the identities of the deceased.

The government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, declared a period of mourning during which flags are being flown at half mast and official events curtailed out of respect for the victims. Sánchez canceled international engagements to focus on the tragedy and pledged a thorough investigation into the causes of the crash.

Early assessments suggest that a broken section of track may have played a role in the derailment, though transport officials said human error and excessive speed were not likely factors. Both trains involved had undergone recent safety inspections. Authorities said the collision took place on a straight, recently renovated stretch of rail, adding to the puzzling nature of the disaster.

Emergency workers have deployed heavy machinery to reach the most damaged carriages and search for additional victims. The crash has disrupted train services between major cities in Andalusia and the rest of the country, with alternative transport being arranged.

The scale of the accident has shaken the nation, marking one of the deadliest rail disasters in Spain in recent years. Officials have promised support for victims’ families and continued updates as the investigation progresses.

Sources: Reuters, BBC News, Euronews, Associated Press (AP)