Passengers who were aboard a train involved in a tragic crash that claimed the lives of many in Spain have recounted the terrifying moment when rescuers used axes to break through windows to assist them in escaping the twisted wreckage. The incident occurred when a high-speed train, en route to Madrid, derailed onto the opposite tracks and collided with another train in Adamuz, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and 170 injuries.
Eyewitnesses observed the chaotic aftermath of the collision, with images showing carriages reduced to debris as rescue teams resorted to extreme measures to extract injured individuals to safety. Salvador Jiménez, a journalist onboard one of the trains, likened the impact to an earthquake and narrated how emergency responders swiftly utilized axes to shatter windows and facilitate evacuations.
The involved trains, operated by Iryo and Renfe, carried approximately 300 and 200 passengers, respectively. Survivors described moments of panic, screams, and darkness as they grappled with the sudden tragedy. One passenger, Lola, shared her fortunate decision to switch carriages at the last minute, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic fate as her original carriage was completely wrecked.
The harrowing ordeal, reminiscent of a movie scene according to witnesses, left many passengers injured and traumatized. The tragic event, labeled as Spain’s deadliest rail accident in over ten years by the Civil Guard, resulted in 39 fatalities, 170 injuries, and 75 individuals hospitalized, including 15 in critical condition. The country’s transport minister has warned that the death toll could rise as the investigation progresses, expressing condolences to the victims and their families during this distressing period.