Passengers who were onboard a train involved in a tragic crash in Spain recounted the harrowing moments when rescue teams broke through windows using axes to assist them in escaping the severely damaged train cars.
The incident occurred in Adamuz, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 individuals and leaving around 170 others injured. The high-speed train, en route to Madrid, derailed onto the opposite tracks and collided with another train on Sunday night.
Footage captured after the collision depicted carriages in ruins as emergency responders resorted to drastic measures to evacuate the injured. Witnesses described being thrown from their seats into darkness amid the chaotic sounds of distress.
Salvador Jiménez, a journalist on board one of the trains involved, likened the impact to an earthquake and detailed how emergency personnel used axes to break windows and aid in the evacuation process.
The first train, operated by Iryo and carrying approximately 300 passengers, derailed, while the second train, operated by Renfe, had around 200 passengers on board.
Eyewitnesses described moments of terror and chaos as the trains collided, with screams echoing through the carriages. Evacuations continued for several hours after the crash, with injured passengers, some with bloody faces and broken limbs, being rescued.
The tragic incident, described by one passenger as resembling a scene from a movie, left many grateful to have survived. Lola, who narrowly avoided a more severe fate by switching carriages, recounted being thrown from her seat and the frantic efforts to escape the wreckage.
The death toll from the crash has reached 39, with 170 injured, including 15 in critical condition. Officials anticipate the number of casualties may rise as rescue operations continue. Spain’s transport minister expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts and extended condolences to the victims and their families during this difficult time.