Key Facts
• On January 19 early morning JST, two high-speed trains derailed in southern Spain.
• The private high-speed train “Iryo” departed Malaga for Madrid on January 18 evening.
• About 10 minutes after passing Cordoba station, one train derailed and collided with another on adjacent tracks.
• The second train’s first two cars derailed and fell down a slope.
• Over 300 passengers were on the first train; over 180 on the second.
• Passengers escaped by breaking windows with emergency hammers.
• 39 people died and 152 were injured; no Japanese nationals reported involved.
• The train’s coupling was severely damaged; rescue efforts were ongoing.
• Spain experienced a similar 2013 derailment causing 79 deaths, linked to excessive speed.
• Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences on social media, calling it a night of deep sorrow.
Summary
In southern Spain, a tragic accident occurred when two high-speed trains operated by the private company Iryo derailed and collided shortly after passing Cordoba station. The first train, traveling from the popular resort city Malaga to Madrid, suddenly left the tracks and struck a second train on an adjacent line, causing the lead cars of the second train to derail and fall down a slope. Over 480 passengers were aboard both trains combined. Emergency responders worked to rescue passengers who escaped through broken windows. The accident resulted in 39 fatalities and 152 injuries, with no reports of Japanese passengers affected. This incident echoes a 2013 derailment in Spain that caused 79 deaths due to speeding. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez publicly mourned the victims, describing the event as a profound national tragedy. Authorities are urgently investigating the cause of the derailment.
