Spanish minister urges caution over causes of deadly train crash

Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente has urged the public and media not to jump to conclusions regarding the causes of a devastating train crash in the city of Adamus that has claimed at least 39 lives.

Writing on X, Puente said that the reasons for the accident remain unknown. “We do not know, and no one currently knows, the causes. These will be determined by CIAF [the Railway Accident Investigation Commission], so please exercise caution against drawing hasty conclusions based on mere speculation,” he said.

The minister previously described the crash as “strange” and “difficult to explain,” noting that the Iryo train involved was relatively new and the Madrid–Seville line had recently undergone significant upgrades. According to Puente, the train was around four years old, and the line renovation, completed in May 2025, had cost 700 million euros.

The train drivers’ union Semaf also called for restraint, stating that “this is a serious accident whose causes are unknown,” and emphasising that immediate priority should be providing aid to those affected.

At least 39 people have died, and around 152 others were injured after two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz in southern Spain on the night of January 19, authorities confirmed. The accident occurred when a train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto an adjacent track, colliding with a train bound for Huelva.

Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the confirmed death toll had risen from 21 and was “not final.” Of the injured, 75 were hospitalised, with 15 in very serious condition and five in life-threatening condition. All trains between Madrid and the Andalusia region have been suspended while rescue crews continue operations at the scene.

The train that derailed, operated by Iryo, was carrying around 300 passengers. The company expressed deep regret, stating it had activated emergency protocols and was working closely with authorities. Puente noted the derailed train was “relatively new” and the collision occurred on a straight stretch of recently renovated track, describing the accident as “extremely strange.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev