Aerial footage captured by Spain's Guardia Civil has provided stark evidence of the severity of the recent train crash in Cordoba, Spain, which left at least 39 people dead and over 150 injured. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, now stands among the most devastating rail accidents in Spain's high-speed history.
The video shows the aftermath: train wagons from an Iryo train derailed and ended up metres apart, after a head-on impact with an Alvia service. Several carriages from the Alvia were thrown down an embankment, with debris scattered across a considerable stretch of the track. The images highlight not just the force of the collision, but also the logistical challenges faced by rescue and recovery teams at the scene.
According to Álvaro Fernández Heredia, president of Renfe, initial data suggests the crash was not triggered by driver error or excessive speed. Both trains were reportedly travelling below 210 km/h on a section where the limit is 250 km/h. "The Renfe teams are continuing to work hand in hand with emergency responders. It's a tragedy that affects us all," Fernández stated. The high-speed line linking Madrid and Andalucía remains closed, with current estimates indicating that reopening and debris clearance could require three to four days.
The accident happened at approximately 19:45 on Sunday, when an Iryo service on the Malaga–Madrid route derailed, crossing into an adjacent line. This led to a collision with a Madrid–Huelva Alvia train, which also subsequently left the rails. The latest images released by law enforcement provide vital perspective for understanding the impact scale and complexities involved in ongoing search and recovery efforts.
Iryo has set up a dedicated telephone line — 900 001 402 — for families and those affected. The company continues to assist authorities in identifying victims and supporting survivors and their relatives.